MP Kaguchia condemns govt’s failure to respect freedom of expression and association
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, February 16, 2026Mukurwe-ini Constituency Member of Parliament John Kaguchia has condemned the government’s failure to respect freedom of expression and association.
Kaguchia has termed the recent attack and disruption of political activities by police as intolerance and a violation of human freedom to associate and express themselves, which contravenes the constitution.
“This kind of interference by the government in political activities goes against our Constitution of the Republic of Kenya, Article 33, which is on freedom of expression; Article 36, on freedom of association; and Article 38, on political rights. This is something that, as a country, we must unite together to condemn, and we must not try to cover it with nice words,” Kaguchia said.
Kitengela rally disruption
Kaguchia has further said that the issue is about the people’s voice. In reference to the disruption of the Kitengela rally organised by Edwin Sifuna and the ODM faction against the party’s merger with the government’s side, the UDA party, Kaguchia said the attack was government-sponsored, adding that President Ruto was behind the disruption of the meeting.
The event, which was part of the rallies dubbed the “Linda Mwananchi tour”, drew thousands of mostly young supporters to the town in Kajiado County.
The rally began peacefully. Supporters gathered along the Nairobi-Namanga Road, causing traffic disruption.
Sifuna was recently removed as ODM Secretary General, but the removal was halted by the Political Tribunals Court. Sifuna has since insisted he still held the position. He used the Kitengela rally to criticise attempts to silence dissent.
Witima Church attack
Kaguchia also referred to an attack on a church at Witima in Othaya on Sunday, January 25, 2026, where police lobbed tear gas, and live bullets were reportedly used, vehicles were destroyed, and congregants were injured.
The National Police Service (NPS) has, however, called on the public to assist in its ongoing investigation into the tear-gas attack at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, last month.