By Steve Sabai,
Former Vice President and Wiper Patriotic Front Party Leader H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka has intensified pressure on the government, accusing it of orchestrating a sustained crackdown on media freedom, political opposition, and constitutional liberties amid what he described as a deteriorating democratic landscape.
Kalonzo made the remarks while leading a delegation of the United Alternative Government during a Sunday worship service at AIC Namanga Border Church in Kajiado County. The delegation included former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Hon. Justin Muturi, former Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, Senators Seki Lenku, Dan Maanzo, Kiio Wambua, Advocate Ndegwa Njiru, and several other opposition leaders.
Addressing the congregation, Kalonzo voiced concern over what he termed an unprecedented wave of intimidation targeting independent media, citing recent events involving The Standard newspaper as emblematic of an increasingly restrictive environment for journalists and media houses.
He argued that the Constitution unequivocally safeguards press freedom and warned that any attempt to intimidate or silence independent media institutions constitutes a direct affront to democratic governance, transparency, and public accountability.
“The media remains one of the strongest pillars of democracy. Undermining its independence not only weakens public oversight but also erodes the constitutional freedoms guaranteed to every Kenyan,” he said.
Kalonzo further condemned what he described as persistent threats directed at the leadership of the United Alternative Government, maintaining that the coalition would respond collectively to any attempt to arrest or intimidate any of its principals.
He emphasized that the alliance remains firmly united, adding that threats against one leader should be viewed as threats against the entire opposition movement.
The Wiper leader also reaffirmed the coalition’s solidarity with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, stating that increasing hostility toward opposition figures reflects a worrying decline in political tolerance and respect for pluralism.
Turning to the events of June 25, Kalonzo reflected on the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests, during which several young Kenyans lost their lives while participating in demonstrations. He alleged that opposition leaders and bereaved families were prevented from peacefully commemorating the victims after security agencies erected barricades around Parliament and blocked them from laying flowers in tribute.
According to Kalonzo, the memorial was intended to honour lives lost in the struggle for justice and accountability, making the alleged obstruction a regrettable infringement on citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and remembrance.
The opposition leaders further urged Kenyans to remain steadfast in prayer for the nation, expressing concern that the country is drifting away from the principles of constitutionalism, good governance, and respect for civil liberties.
They accused State agencies of increasingly being deployed to intimidate opposition leaders, suppress dissent, and harass young people who continue to demand accountability and better governance.
The leaders called upon the government to uphold the rule of law, safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms, and ensure justice for victims of alleged State excesses. They also urged public institutions to discharge their constitutional mandates impartially and without political interference.
The United Alternative Government reaffirmed its commitment to defending Kenya’s democratic institutions, protecting media independence, and championing constitutional governance, insisting that the country’s stability and prosperity can only be secured through justice, accountability, respect for human rights, and unwavering adherence to the Constitution.
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