Willis Otieno blasts Kenya Kwanza for double standards on early campaigns
By Mabonga Makhanu, October 12, 2025Safina Party Deputy Party Leader Willis Otieno has blasted the Kenya Kwanza regime for castigating those opposed to them for conducting early campaigns while they themselves are doing the same.
In a statement shared on his various social media pages on Sunday, October 12, 2025, he accused the current regime of having double standards in its approach to early campaigns.
According to Willis, it is wrong for other people, particularly those in the opposition, to be condemned for early campaigns when Kenya Kwanza leaders are constantly on rooftops addressing roadside rallies.
He went on to accuse them of trying to silence dissent by criticising others for holding early campaigns while they are also engaging in similar activities. He reminded them that Kenya isn’t a one-party state and that Kenyans are free to express themselves.
“The irony is rich. The same people who hold rallies, roadside declarations, church campaign tours, and daily pressers are suddenly allergic to ‘early campaigns’ when it’s someone else speaking. Power holders want to silence others while enjoying the full megaphone. Kenya isn’t a one-party state,” Willis added.
Kindiki slamming opposition
This comes after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, during a women empowerment programme in Narok Town, faulted the united opposition for provoking the country into early campaigns, saying that it was not yet time for politics and that when the time comes, Kenya Kwanza will be ready for a strong contest.
“We have no time for politics. This is the time to build our country. When the time comes for politics, sisi ni mafundi wa siasa, tunajua wire gani tutashikanisha,” he said.
IEBC chair’s view on early campaigns
The issue of early campaigns became a matter of national discussion when the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair Erastus Ethekon was being vetted by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) of the National Assembly.
He defended early campaigns, saying that they are entrenched in the Constitution under Article 38 and are not unlawful as long as they are conducted in accordance with the law.
“Article 38 of the Constitution gives Kenyans political freedom, including the rights to association, freedom of speech, and participation in political activities,” Ethekon said.
He further stated that such political activities, even outside the official election period, keep the nation vibrant and politically aware. He praised Kenya for being miles ahead compared to other countries he has visited.
“Kenya is such a vibrant society, and I thank God for that. We should be proud as Kenyans that we have a constitution that gives us these rights. I have visited some countries, and the moment you land there, you see gloom. People are not even engaged about their governance, leadership, or their future,” he remarked.
According to Ethekon, the ongoing political campaigns are not unlawful. He emphasised that Kenyans are merely exercising their constitutional rights and showing concern for the country’s future, which should be seen as a strength, and there is nothing unlawful about it.