Willis Otieno: No dialogue with President Ruto without his resignation
By Nancy Marende, July 16, 2025Lawyer and political commentator Willis Otieno has rejected any possibility of engaging in dialogue with President William Ruto, saying talks are only possible if the president tenders his resignation.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Otieno condemned the state’s violent response to recent protests, arguing that a government that kills its own citizens cannot be a credible partner in any national conversation.
“If there’s ever to be any dialogue with William Ruto, then it must begin with him presenting his resignation letter. You cannot negotiate with a man who still wields the power to kill you,” he said.
Otieno referenced the recent killing of Bridget Njoki, who tragically lost her life when a bullet tore through a wall and struck her while she was resting beside her mother in their living room during the commemoration of the Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025, as symbolic of the state’s brutality and disregard for life.
“Dialogue is not possible with a regime that murders its own citizens and calls it governance. The blood of Bridget and many others is still fresh on the tarmac; we are not here to shake hands with their executioner,” he added.
Njoki’s burial
Njoki was buried in Githunguri, Kiambu County, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Inside the church, a sorrowful funeral mass got underway, filled with heart-wrenching tributes. Messages from Bridget’s fellow pupils, expressing their final respects, moved mourners to tears, capturing the profound loss felt by her passing.
Lucy Ngugi, Bridget’s mother, delivered an emotional tribute, reflecting on the bright future she had hoped her daughter would realise.
“Saba Saba will be forever etched in my heart… I’m shattered beyond words… I thought you would grow and become a beautiful woman,” said Lucy.
She mourned the tragic circumstances that took the life of her child but vowed that the family would not allow the pain of loss to dim the cherished memories they shared.
“Listen here, the bullet didn’t just come — it was fired by someone,” said Lucy.
The funeral was attended by opposition leaders, although they were not allowed to speak during the service.