Kiharu Member of Parliament (MP) Ndindi Nyoro has strongly condemned public officials who resist criticism from Kenyans, urging them to vacate their positions if they cannot tolerate public scrutiny.

Speaking during an education day at Kambirwa Secondary School in Mbiti Ward on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Nyoro took issue with leaders who, he said, misuse their positions by silencing dissent and intimidating the public.

He emphasised that occupying a public seat requires tolerance for opposing opinions and a commitment to respecting human life.

“Na tunasema hawa watu wote watu ambao wako kwa positions za uongozi. We must respect the lives of Kenyans, na hii mambo ya kutisha wakenya lazima ikome; it has to come to an end. When you are in a government office, you don’t want to be criticised; you don’t want Kenyans to give opinions about your conduct. Safari ni moja; si Mkenya atanyamaza; ni wewe utaondoka kwa hio ofisi.”

He expressed concern over a rising pattern where government officials threaten or intimidate members of the public for expressing their views.

According to the legislator, this trend is dangerous and must be stopped. He made it clear that it is not the citizens who should remain silent, but the officials who feel the heat who should step down from public service.

Nyoro also addressed what he described as deliberate efforts to remove outspoken individuals from leadership through threats and coercion.

He dismissed such attempts as futile, saying that neither he nor others speaking for the people would be silenced.

He vowed to continue highlighting issues affecting ordinary Kenyans and defending the rights of citizens to speak freely without fear.

“Let no one think vile walikuja wanatishatisha watu kwa viti, wanaeza tisha sisi, no one mtu asijidanganye hata siku moja, lazima tutee wakenya na hio si tafadhali,” Nyoro added.

Reaction to Ojwang’s death

This comes days after his reaction to the death of Albert Ojwang, a young X influencer who died in police custody under controversial circumstances.

Nyoro then urged leaders who cannot take criticism from the public to voluntarily vacate office and lead private lives instead.

He emphasised that holding a public position requires accountability and tolerance for scrutiny. Nyoro stressed that the rights of Kenyans are protected by the constitution, and no official should attempt to silence citizens for questioning or criticising their conduct.

He further called for a thorough and transparent investigation into Ojwang’s death, warning against any attempts to cover up the matter or undermine justice.