Opposition leaders demand end to political violence, abductions
They cite instances where goons have violently disrupted opposition events in various parts of the country, accusing police of either standing by or collaborating with them
Opposition leaders have raised alarm over what they say is heightened descent of the country into a state of repression, lawlessness and political persecution following recent events, including the alleged abduction and torture of Juja MP Geoffrey Koimburi.
In a statement, they said that despite their persistent calls for an end to arbitrary arrests, gross violation of human rights and extrajudicial killings, President William Ruto “appears to be in a race to the bottom – To anarchy.”
They said that Koimburi’s abduction is not an isolated case but part of a chilling trend where elected leaders and citizens aligned with the opposition are systematically being targeted to silence dissent.
The statement, which was signed by People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Jubilee national chairman Torome Saitoti and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) interim national organising secretary Mithika Linturi, also cited the disruption of a meeting in Kakamega to welcome DCP interim deputy party leader Cleophas Malala and a protest over the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company during which they said police used excessive force, including live ammunition, to disperse those in attendance.
The opposition leaders also cited instances where goons have violently disrupted opposition events in various parts of the country, accusing police of either standing by or collaborating with them.
At the same time, they accused telecommunication companies of aiding security agencies to surveil, trace and aid the abduction of Kenya.
The government actions, they added, are not only in violation of the Constitution but also international human rights statutes to which Kenya is a signatory.
The leaders called on Kenyans, civil society, religious leaders and international allies to stand in solidarity with them in demanding an immediate cessation of all politically motivated violence, abductions, and extrajudicial killings; accountability for the telcos and private actors enabling illegal surveillance, tracking and data breaches; an end to state-backed disruption of peaceful political assemblies; and protection of constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly, association, expression and political participation.
“We would like to remind Mr Ruto that he is not immune from prosecution for crimes against humanity, which includes abductions, torture, forced disappearances, murders, gender-based and other crimes. We are united, resolute and the voice of a people who refuse to be silenced,” the statement said.
