Kalonzo accuses state of abusing anti-terror law to silence critics
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has lashed out at the government for using anti-terror laws against Gen Z protesters, calling the move a shameful attempt to silence dissent.
Speaking after a church service at Ruach Tabernacle Ministries in Nairobi on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Kalonzo condemned the arrest and prosecution of youth under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), saying it criminalises constitutionally protected freedoms.
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“I still insist it is a shame to charge Kenyan youth, Gen Z, and say they are terrorists,” Kalonzo declared.
The veteran politician defended the arrested protesters, arguing that they were simply exercising their constitutional rights as citizens.
“It’s like saying their parents are terrorists. So every Kenyan voter is a terrorist. Because these are Kenyans exercising their freedoms under the constitution,” he added.
The former vice president further questioned the rationale behind applying POTA to peaceful demonstrators, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent and undermines civil liberties.
“How do you then charge under POTA, the Prevention of Terrorism Act?” he asked.
Concerns over terrorism charges
His remarks come amid growing outcry over the state’s response to youth-led protests, which have seen dozens of demonstrators arrested, with some facing serious charges under anti-terror laws.
In an earlier statement posted on his X account on July 16, 2025, Kalonzo criticised what he described as the state’s exploitation of the judiciary to punish political opponents.
He decried the terrorism charges filed against eight young men arrested during the burial of Albert Ojwang in Kakoth, Homa Bay County.
“Even the most ardent apologists of this dictatorship are at a loss for words when eight young men who accompanied the body of slain Albert Ojwang to Homa Bay were charged with terrorism offences,” he wrote.
Citing the cases of Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, TV journalist James Mboochi, and boda boda rider Stanley Mbuthia, who were released on bail after facing similar charges, Kalonzo described the charges as excessive and politically motivated.
“Last week, MP for Manyatta Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, Inooro TV journalist James Mboochi, and Stanley Mbuthia, the boda boda rider, were also released on punitive bail terms after being charged under the same case. Most disturbing, however, is the weaponisation of our judiciary and the abuse of anti-terror laws to punish protest, dissent, and even mourning,” he stated.
