Key opposition leaders led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Attorney General Justin Muturi have strongly condemned the Kenya Kwanza government over what they termed as excessive use of police force, ongoing media intimidation, and disregard for constitutional freedoms, as they joined Kenyans in commemorating the lives lost during the 2024 anti-finance bill protests.
“We are very concerned with what is coming out as use of excessive police force right across the country, but we all note that these demonstrations have been very successful,” Kalonzo said.
Kalonzo further blasted the state’s clampdown on press freedom after Communications Authority of Kenya ordered media houses in the country to stop live coverage of the protests.
“A regime that sends police to shut down media is a regime running from truth. Article 34(1) guarantees freedom of the media. Article 35 further guarantees the right of access to information. These constitutional rights are not suggestions. They are the law. We have already moved to court to stop this nonsense.”
Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa echoed concerns over police brutality while also citing the case of Albert Ojwang’, whose custodial death remains unresolved.
“We are not going to accept more killings and abductions. The country is still getting to terms with the recent custodial death of Albert Ojwang’.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi, who now chairs the People’s Restorative Justice Commission, said the commission has been convened to assess the growing concerns over state repression and affirmed solidarity with protesting youths.
“As Chairperson of the People’s Restorative Justice Commission, I have convened the Commission to deliberate on this matter, and I have already engaged with fellow leaders in the United Opposition Movement who have today stood with our young people on the streets in commemorating June 25th,” Muturi said.
The commemoration served both as a remembrance for victims of past brutality and a renewed call for the protection of civil liberties enshrined in the Constitution.
