Willis Otieno cautions politicians against use of violence ahead of 2027
By Mustafa Juma, February 21, 2026Lawyer Willis Otieno has cautioned political actors against the use of violence amid rising political tensions as the country heads into the 2027 general election.
Taking to his official X account on Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Safina Deputy Party Leader warned that such actions erode the very foundations of democracy.
He emphasised that while disagreement and political competition are normal in a constitutional order, violence can never be justified as a democratic tool.
“Amid rising political tension, one principle must remain non-negotiable: violence is never a legitimate instrument of democracy,” he stated.
Protests
Otieno noted that protests, dissent, and political rivalry are protected under the Constitution and form part of a healthy democratic culture.
However, he warned that once violence creeps into political engagement, whether from supporters, political operatives, or state actors, it replaces persuasion with fear and undermines lawful processes.
“In a constitutional order, disagreement is expected. Competition is healthy. Protest is protected. But violence, whether by supporters, political operatives, or the state, destroys the very foundation it claims to defend. It replaces persuasion with fear. It replaces ballots with intimidation. Once normalised, it spares no one,” he stated.
The lawyer’s remarks come at a time when the country has witnessed heightened political activity, including rallies and public demonstrations that have occasionally turned chaotic.
While he did not single out any political party or leader, Otieno stressed that no actor should resort to force to advance political objectives.
Chaos at rallies
Otieno’s remarks come hours after Sifuna was teargassed, just moments after he reached the podium to deliver his speech at the Linda Ground in Kakamega County.
Speaking on Saturday, February 21, 2026, Sifuna called out President William Ruto for spearheading the throwing of teargas at the residents.
At the time, Sifuna maintained that the meeting would not end despite the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The teargas, however, did not stop Sifuna’s speech as the Kakamega residents braced the smoke while listening to the embattled Orange Democratic Movement leader.
Unfortunately, one person suspected to be a hired goon was killed in Mbale as Sifuna’s entourage sneaked through the Western Kenya town after their Kakamega rally.
During Sifuna’s Kitengela edition of Linda Mwananchi rallies, one person also lost his life when police lobbed teargas and opened fire to disperse the crowd.