Statement by the Kisumu Peace and Justice Centre On President Ruto’s Hypocrisy During National Mourning and the Passage of Anti-People Laws
As the nation mourns the passing of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, a towering figure in Kenya’s democratic struggle, President William Ruto has chosen to betray the spirit of national unity and justice. Instead of standing in solidarity with Kenyans in this solemn moment, the President has taken advantage of public grief to sign and implement eight controversial laws that threaten human rights, civil liberties, and economic justice.
While shedding crocodile tears, he has quietly advanced an agenda that destroys all that Raila Odinga fought for — justice, equity, and people’s participation in governance. Below is a brief analysis of the laws being pushed and how they impact the public:
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The Finance (Amendment) Bill
Introduces higher taxes on basic commodities, fuel, and digital services, worsening the cost of living and deepening inequality. This law places the burden of governance on struggling families while shielding the political elite from accountability. -
The Data Protection (Amendment) Bill
Expands state surveillance powers without judicial oversight. It threatens citizens’ right to privacy and creates avenues for political profiling and digital harassment of activists, journalists, and opposition supporters. -
The Public Order (Amendment) Bill
Curtails the freedom of assembly and peaceful protest, requiring excessive permits and criminalizing spontaneous demonstrations. It directly attacks the right that Raila Odinga and many Kenyans defended with their lives. -
The Media Regulation Bill
Seeks to control and license journalists and media houses under government-appointed boards. It endangers press freedom, stifles independent reporting, and promotes propaganda in place of truth. -
The NGO (Operations and Funding) Bill
Places harsh restrictions on civil society organizations, especially those working on human rights and governance. This move is intended to silence watchdog institutions and limit community voices. -
The Judicial Reforms Bill
Gives the Executive control over judicial appointments and budgetary decisions, effectively undermining the independence of the Judiciary and the principle of separation of powers. -
The Land and Natural Resources Bill
Erodes community land rights, allowing private and foreign investors to acquire land without adequate consent or compensation. It revives colonial-style dispossession and threatens ecological justice. -
The Security (Amendment) Bill
Expands police powers to arrest, detain, and use force against civilians under vague definitions of “national security.” This law risks legitimizing extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
President Ruto’s actions at this moment of mourning are a mockery to the nation’s conscience. He cannot claim to honor Raila Odinga while dismantling the democratic foundations Raila fought to build. We call on all Kenyans to defend the legacy of justice, freedom, and equality — and to reject deceit masked as leadership.
Raila Odinga lived for the people. We must not allow his memory to be used against the people.
Kisumu Peace and Justice Centre