The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader, Martha Karua, has criticised the government over what she described as a calculated move to exploit the nation’s grief following the death of Raila Odinga to pass controversial legislation.

In a strongly worded statement posted on her X account on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Karua said the bills signed in the past few days represent a betrayal of the democratic values Kenyans have fought for over generations.

“The controversial bills signed in haste under the cover of national grief represent the very opposite of the democracy and transparency generations of Kenyans fought for,” Karua said.

She warned that the laws were not only rushed but also designed to silence critical voices and weaken the role of citizens in holding leaders accountable. “These bills: silence dissent, weaken civic voice, disregard public welfare,” she added.

Karua noted that the timing of the bills’ passage, when the country was mourning the death of the opposition chief, exposed what she called the administration’s disregard for democratic principles.

“True democracy listens to the people, it doesn’t suppress them,” she stated, adding that the move was an insult to the sacrifices made by those who fought for Kenya’s freedoms and governance reforms.

Among the eight bills signed into law were:

• The National Land Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023
• Land (Amendment) Bill, 2024
• Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, 2023
• Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2024
• National Police Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024
• Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2025
• Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill, 2025
• Privatisation Bill, 2025

The seasoned politician, who has been a vocal advocate for transparency and the rule of law, said that passing such critical legislation without proper public participation undermines the country’s democratic fabric.

Her remarks come amid growing debate about the speed and secrecy surrounding the signing of several cybercrime bills while the country’s attention was focused on the late Raila Odinga’s funeral events.

Karua urged Kenyans not to remain silent but to continue pushing back against attempts to erode freedoms that were hard-earned through years of struggle. “We cannot stand by as our hard-won freedoms are eroded,” she said.

She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to advocate for openness, fairness, and accountability in governance. “The fight for accountability continues. Now more than ever,” Karua said.

Her statement has since sparked reactions online, with many echoing her concerns over the lack of transparency in how major national decisions are being made during a period of mourning.