‘We have gone back to days of Moi era’ – Senator Madzayo

Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo says the country is slowly sliding into a dictatorship amid a standoff over “punitive” tax laws.

Madzayo, in a recent interview, claimed President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration is taking the country back to President Daniel Moi’s era, which was characterised by repression and stifling of opposition.

“We’ve gone back to the old days of the Moi era, whenever a Kenyan used to speak you had to look behind your shoulders to see whether someone else is listening,” the Kilifi senator who was among opposition leaders arrested during anti-government protests in March said.

The firebrand lawmaker claimed the legislative arm of government had been captured by the executive and no “substantive debate” takes place in parliament.

“We are no longer an independent country. This is a state which is captured, Parliament has been gagged, we have seen it. Bills are being imposed on Kenyans. There is absolutely no substantive debate that takes place in parliament,” he added.

Madzayo cautions Ruto

He appealed to President Ruto’s administration to respect the constitution, saying power is transient.

“We urge those people who are controlling power now there is tomorrow and leadership changes. They wouldn’t want us to do what they are doing to us.”

Senator Madzayo’s remarks come hot on the heels of arrest of hundreds of supporters of Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition and their leaders during the ongoing anti-government protests.

Some of the leaders arrested recently include Embakasi East Member of Parliament Paul Ongili, better known as Babu Owino, his Kilifi South counterpart Ken Chonga, Kilifi County Speaker Teddy Mwambire, MCAs Wilfred Odallo and Redson Ochongo, budget officers at the Nairobi County Assembly, Erick Otieno, and Anthony Otsula.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s private bodyguard Maurice Ogeta and his spokesperson Dennis Onyango were also among those arrested in unclear circumstances.

Azimio co-principal Martha Karua condemned the arrests terming them as abuse of office.

“We demand the immediate release of those detained noting that their detention is not only malicious but also unlawful. We further demand respect for our constitution and law,” Karua said in a statement.

The former justice minister also alleged that the courts were being weaponised to fight political dissent.

“When police arrest to sabotage legitimate political activities and turn up in court alleging conspiracy, then you know the courts are being weaponized to silence dissent,” Karua said in a statement.

The opposition called for 3-day protests across the country to demonstrate against the high cost of living, reconstitution of the electoral commission and the raid of opposition parties by the government among other issues.