Wamalwa accuses state of using police to silence opposition
Former Defence Cabinet Secretary and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has accused the Kenya Kwanza government of using state machinery to suppress the opposition while promoting its own agenda across the country.
Speaking on Monday, July 28, 2025, during an interview with K24 TV, Wamalwa claimed that while leaders aligned with the ruling coalition enjoy unfettered access to every part of the country through what he termed a “broad-based government,” opposition leaders are routinely blocked by police from engaging the public.
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“Wenzetu wako katika hii broad-based government wako kila sehemu ya Kenya. Sasa wameanza kutumia mbinu inaitwa economic empowerment program, ilhali sisi wa upinzani tukienda kuuza sera zetu polisi wanatumika kutuzuia tusifikie wananchi,” he stated.
Opposition frustration
Wamalwa’s comments reflect growing frustration within the opposition, which has increasingly accused the government of undermining political freedoms and shrinking democratic space.
He claimed that government-led economic programs are being used as a cover for political mobilisation, while the opposition is denied a platform to campaign or share its policies with the public.
Opposition petitions IPOA
Wamalwa’s remarks come hours after the United Opposition team filed a formal petition to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), accusing the police of brutality against opposition leaders during recent political protests and public engagements.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, July 28, 2025, the opposition said the petition seeks action against what they termed as growing impunity within the police service when dealing with opposition figures and supporters.
“The United Opposition Team were at the @IPOA_KE today to present a public petition against police for their brutality against opposition leaders,” read the statement.
The Wiper Democratic Movement, a key member of the opposition coalition, was well represented in the delegation. Leading the team were Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, Matungulu MP Stephen Mule, Kitui West MP Hon. Edith Nyenze, Kitui East MP Thuddeus Nzambia, and lawyer and political activist Njiru.
The petition comes amid mounting concerns over the conduct of law enforcement during recent anti-government protests, where several opposition leaders and demonstrators reported harassment, unlawful arrests, and excessive force. Civil society groups and human rights defenders have echoed similar concerns, calling for urgent police accountability.
