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Willis Otieno opposes terrorism charges against protesters
31st July, 2025 06:55 AM
Constitutional lawyer and good governance advocate Willis Evans Otieno has openly opposed a trending habit where arrested protesters are being charged with terrorism charges even where the evidence does not hold water.
Taking to his X handle on Thursday, 31 July 2025, the outspoken lawyer said that these charges are being used to intimidate young Kenyans who are exercising their democratic rights.
“The murderous regime must stop weaponising trumped-up charges to intimidate young Kenyans,” Otieno posted. He added that the government is misusing the justice system to create fear among citizens and discourage them from standing up for their rights.
Otieno further said that young Kenyans will not be cowed by threats and abuse of power.
“We will not bow to threats and intimidation, not for ourselves, not for our families, not for our future,” he stated.
LSK, other voices speak out
Otieno is not alone. The President of the Law Society of Kenya, Faith Odhiambo, has also slammed the government over the same issue. She has consistently called out what she terms the criminalisation of protest and civic action, urging the government to respect the Constitution and follow due process.
Legal experts and human rights groups have raised concerns that anti-terror laws are now being twisted to suppress peaceful protests, especially those led by students, youth groups, and civil society organisations. They argue that labelling protesters as terrorists is not only unlawful but also harmful to Kenya’s image as a democratic nation.
Otieno reminded the government that Kenya’s Constitution guarantees the right to assembly and free expression. He warned that violating these rights in the name of national security could lead to deeper unrest and public mistrust.
As protests continue across different parts of the country, more lawyers, clergy, and public figures are speaking up and demanding accountability.
So far, the government has not directly responded to Otieno’s remarks.
