Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged the United States to intervene in what he described as the harassment of businessman Jimi Wanjigi and the abduction and killing of other Kenyans under President William Ruto’s administration.
Speaking at a burial in Mwingi West on Friday, Kalonzo also criticized the government for criminalizing demonstrations led by Gen Zs that have persisted for two months.
“Jimi has faced harassment in this country. The US Under Secretary, who is currently in the country, should appeal to Kenya Kwanza to stop targeting him, as he has done the right thing by going to court,” Kalonzo said. “They seem determined to arrest him. Without a court order, they raided his house, destroyed CCTV, and planted teargas and other items.”
He called on the church to pray for the nation, particularly concerning corruption, and praised the youth for their persistent efforts to liberate the country from what he termed poor leadership. Kalonzo also emphasized the importance of unity, expressing hope for a better future.
“You can’t criminalize peaceful demonstrations where young people are waving our flags. I urge the church to pray earnestly for this country so that the revolution continues. We should be proud of the Gen Zs, who don’t want their country to be ruined,” he added.
DAP-Kenya party leader Eugene Wamalwa supported Kalonzo’s views, noting the need for prayers as over 200 Kenyans, mostly youth, have lost their lives to extrajudicial killings. Wamalwa emphasized that, like the Gen Zs, they support the demonstrations aimed at improving the country.
“When it comes to the right to demonstrate under Article 37, these are rights guaranteed by the Constitution and should not be violated,” Wamalwa said. “The US Under Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and the US Ambassador have all expressed concerns about this issue. The right to demonstrate and protest is enshrined in the Constitution.”
Wamalwa also suggested that the possible exit of ODM leader Raila Odinga from the opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition could be a blessing in disguise.
These remarks came after police raided Jimi Wanjigi’s home in Muthaiga on Thursday, accusing him of sponsoring the Nane Nane demonstrations. The Acting Police Inspector General later ordered Wanjigi to surrender to the nearest police station, but Wanjigi instead obtained court orders preventing his arrest.
