Parliament first casualty of State capture – Willis Otieno warns
By Kiprono Keileb, September 5, 2025Political analyst Willis Otieno has raised alarm over what he describes as the shrinking independence of Kenya’s Parliament, slamming the Executive for hijacking the people’s House and converting it into a mere extension of the State House.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his X handle on Friday, September 5, 2025, Otieno said the country’s legislative arm has been stripped of its core role as a watchdog and has instead become the first casualty of state capture.
“Parliament has been smothered by powerful forces, reduced from a people’s House to an annex of the State House. The Executive and its cartels now steer the ship, dropping bills not on merit, but on whether they please the Presidency. What was meant to be the first line of accountability has become the first casualty of capture,” Otieno wrote.
Concerns over legislative independence
Otieno’s remarks come at a time when questions are mounting over the autonomy of lawmakers and the ability of Parliament to play its constitutional role without undue pressure. His warning painted a picture of a chamber where loyalty to the Presidency outweighs representation of the people.
According to him, Parliament was envisioned as a safeguard for democracy and a defender of citizens’ interests, but has been weakened by what he termed as the infiltration of “cartels” and executive manipulation.
Growing debate on checks and balances
The claims add fuel to the growing debate on checks and balances in Kenya’s governance. Many Kenyans have expressed concern that Parliament has failed to challenge questionable decisions by the Executive, instead rushing to pass bills perceived to be politically convenient.
Otieno’s comments further sharpen that debate, portraying a legislature at risk of losing public trust. He framed his message as a call to action, urging citizens to recognise the dangers of a compromised Parliament.
The statement has sparked wide reactions online, with supporters praising him for voicing what they say is the truth about Kenya’s current political reality. Others, however, dismissed his claims as political posturing.
Still, his warning that Parliament is now operating as “an annex of State House” has resonated widely, feeding into ongoing concerns over accountability and the future of democratic institutions.