KISII, Kenya — People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has condemned the heavy police deployment, roadblocks and restrictions witnessed during the Saba Saba commemorations, accusing the government of suppressing constitutional freedoms instead of addressing the concerns raised by Kenyans.
Speaking during an interview at Etaya TV in Kisii Town on Tuesday as part of the PLP’s Purple Train tour across Kisii, Nyamira and Homa Bay counties, Karua said the country was witnessing an alarming return to authoritarian tactics reminiscent of the Moi era.
She argued that the 2010 Constitution, which she described as one of the major achievements of the Second Liberation movement, guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble, demonstrate and petition peacefully.
“Instead of fixing the nation, this administration is preoccupied with silencing the voices of Kenyans. We are witnessing attacks on families of protesters, intimidation of mothers demanding justice, and attempted abductions of media and citizens who dare to speak out. Meanwhile, criminal gangs rob businesses, churches and innocent wananchi with impunity,” Karua said.
The former Justice Minister, who represented political detainees during Kenya’s struggle for multi-party democracy in the 1990s, said the government’s response to dissent reflected a leadership that feared public scrutiny after failing to fulfil its election promises.
Defends Constitutional Right to Protest
Karua said peaceful demonstrations organised by civil society groups, families of victims of alleged police brutality, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings should be protected rather than disrupted.
She maintained that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to peaceful assembly and warned against what she termed increasing intimidation of government critics.
“Thirty-six years after Kenyans sacrificed so much to restore multiparty democracy, it is unacceptable that peaceful citizens are once again being met with intimidation and fear simply for exercising rights guaranteed by our Constitution. What we are witnessing now under Dr. Ruto is a government that is using threats and intimidation to silence the voice of the people,” she said.
Karua added that the spirit of Saba Saba was founded on the principle that Kenyans should be free to participate fully in the governance of their country without fear.
Condemns Political Violence
The PLP leader also criticised what she described as growing political violence and the use of hired gangs to intimidate opponents, citing the recent attack on Linda Mwananchi in Kisii.
She urged young people not to allow themselves to be used for political violence.
“The goonism that was unleashed on Linda Mwananchi has claimed one life and caused injuries to many more. Can we stop this madness? What we are seeing across the country is death, injury, destruction of property, utter chaos that is dangerous for democracy. If a leader is hiring you to be a goon, can you ask them to go hire their own children, or ask those leaders to fight for their cause themselves. Vijana msikubali kutumika vibaya.”
Criticises ‘Boardroom Politics’
Karua said neither the People’s Liberation Party nor the broader opposition would abandon engagement with wananchi in favour of what she described as “boardroom gymnastics” and political handshakes.
She criticised the government’s broad-based political arrangements, arguing they had benefited political leaders while failing to improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
“Kenyans cannot eat boardroom agreements and handshakes in the State House. While political elites negotiate their own survival, you Kisii County farmers remain neglected, your markets are deteriorating, roads are crumbling and essential services continue to fail. Our country deserves leaders who are accountable at every level of government.”
She said the Purple Train campaign was aimed at taking the message of accountable leadership directly to citizens across the country.
Outlines Governance Agenda
Karua reiterated her pledge to serve a single five-year presidential term if elected in 2027, saying her administration would focus on restoring the promises of the 2010 Constitution before handing over leadership to a younger generation.
She outlined priorities including reducing government expenditure, reviewing what she termed burdensome taxes such as the Housing Levy, creating employment opportunities for young people, capping statutory contributions for informal workers and unemployed Kenyans, and providing free education from kindergarten through secondary school.
“The promise of the 2010 Constitution cannot be fulfilled while hardworking Kenyans are taxed into poverty and small businesses are squeezed dry. My government will restore fiscal discipline and create a tax system that is simple, fair and predictable, ending arbitrary levies and creating the conditions for businesses to thrive.”
Karua concluded by urging Kenyans to commemorate Saba Saba by safeguarding the democratic freedoms secured through the Second Liberation and to remain peaceful while defending constitutional rights.