DAP Kenya Statement on the Harassment of Opposition Leaders George Natembeya and Rigathi Gachagua

We strongly condemn the ongoing attempts by the Kenya Kwanza administration to frustrate, intimidate, and harass the opposition leaders, particularly the Deputy President, Hon. Rigathi Gachagua and Governor George Natembeya. The rising wave of political persecution disguised as law enforcement is not only primitive and cowardly, but a betrayal of the very democratic values President Ruto once claimed to stand for.

Being warned not to think about rigging the 2027 elections is not a crime; it is a patriotic call to uphold and respect democracy. Using that as an excuse to unleash police intimidation on the Deputy President and the opposition is both unconstitutional and immoral.

If the President intends to arrest Hon. Gachagua and Governor Natembeya, let him follow the law, table credible charges, and allow due process to take its course. Intimidations, threats, and midnight operations have no place in a democratic nation like Kenya.

President Ruto should be reminded that when he parted ways with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, he was neither arrested nor persecuted. He was allowed to speak freely, organize politically, and eventually ascend to the presidency. He must now allow others the same space.

The opposition only echoes the voices of over 50 million Kenyans who are tired of empty promises, skyrocketing costs of living, and now, threats to their basic freedoms, and have said in unison that President Ruto must serve only WAN TAM, the same Kenyans who put him to power vowed to remove him from office; he should accept peacefully and live with that reality. The voice of people longing for accountability and change cannot be termed as treasonous.

If the President wants to arrest 50 million Kenyans, he should announce where we should report, and Kenyans shall obey.

We remind President Ruto of his own words: "I will not use the police to intimidate political opponents." It is time to live up to that promise or step aside.

The Kenyan people will not be silenced. We will resist tyranny in all its forms.

Ruto was a mistake we must never allow to happen again.

Signed,

Ken Babu, Hsc