Willis Otieno slams govt for ignoring citizens until protests erupt
By Mustafa Juma, April 21, 2026Constitutional lawyer Willis Otieno has sharply criticised the government, accusing it of only responding to public concerns when citizens take to the streets in protest.
Taking to his official X account in the wee hours of Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Safina deputy party leader warned that such a pattern points to deeper governance failures.
He argued that a responsive government should address issues proactively rather than react under pressure.
“If the only time a government listens is when people are in the streets, then something is deeply broken. The rogue regime seems they can only hear our cries while we are on the streets!!” he stated.
His comments reflect a growing sentiment among Kenyans who feel that their concerns are often ignored until protests disrupt normalcy and force action.
Planned Tuesday protests
Otieno’s remarks come amid rising public dissatisfaction over the high cost of living, particularly fuel prices, which have sparked planned demonstrations led largely by young people, scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Call for police restraint
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for restraint from security agencies ahead of the planned Gen Z-led demonstrations.
The young people have vowed to take to the streets over the rising fuel prices and cost-of-living concerns.
Speaking during an interview with K24 TV on Monday, April 20, 2026, Gachagua said that young people have a constitutional right to peaceful protest and urged government officials to avoid excessive force during the anticipated demonstrations.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader expressed support for the youth-led movement, saying he stands with young Kenyans who choose to take to the streets to express their grievances.
He warned security chiefs, including senior government officials, against mishandling the protests.
Gachagua pointed out President William Ruto, his deputy Kithure Kindiki, and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, warning that the bloodshed that was witnessed during past Gen Z protests should not repeat itself.
“If Gen Zs decide that they want to take to the streets, they have my blessings. All I want to ask Murkomen, Kindiki, and William Ruto is that if these wonderful people decide to demonstrate against the high cost of fuel, please don’t kill them like you have done in the past,” Gachagua said.
Police warning
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud had earlier issued guidelines on public demonstrations following rising tensions linked to increased fuel prices.
In a press brief on Friday, April 16, 2026, he stated that the Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and present petitions but stressed that the right must be exercised within the law.
He noted that police facilitate lawful assemblies to ensure safety and order during public participation activities across the city.
Mohamud said organisers must notify police between three and 14 days before any planned demonstrations to allow for planning of traffic management, deployment, and public safety measures.
He stated that last-minute notices would not be accepted due to logistical constraints. “We operate strictly within the law, guided by the Public Order Act and the Constitution,” he said.