Kenya Kwanza allied MPs accuse rights groups of taking sides

Trans Nzoia County MP Lillian Siyoi addresses the media regarding protests that rocked the country on June 26, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Members of Parliament have expressed concern over what they see as a growing trend of demonstrations which end in violence and economic disruption.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, June 25, Trans Nzoia MP Lilian Siyoi said the protests disrupted and damaged properties, businesses and livelihoods.

"This is not the first time they have been exposed, and there is no benefit they are getting after the demonstrations they have done," Siyoi stated.

The legislator criticised what she described as a one-sided narrative, especially by some churches and human rights groups.

"I have also heard churches say that this demonstration was peaceful. But I have never seen a demonstration in the history of our country that has ended peacefully. It is always infiltrated by goons who loot and destroy property," she said.

Siyoi further claimed that some rights groups defend criminals under the guise of protecting human rights.

"All arrests made in the country are tagged as abductions, with criminals hiding in that when they commit a felony. Police lives are now in danger while discharging their duties. That is why we are seeing this country sliding into anarchy," she warned.

"Human rights groups have leaned on one side, defending specific people at the expense of many struggling Kenyans."

"We are ruining our economy and people's livelihoods. Police were injured, and no human rights organisation or church has come out to defend them. Don't they also have rights?"

Her remarks were echoed by Emurua Dikir MP Johana Ng'eno, who said while Kenya has a history of protest, current circumstances do not justify violent actions.

"We understand the challenges we have as a country, but there are methods and rules people normally use to solve those challenges, not the route we saw yesterday," Ng'eno said.

Ng'eno questioned the current wave of protests, which he linked to politicians who are out to gain mileage.

"That one was understandable, but today we are not understanding why exactly people are trying to break this country. We have an election coming in 2027," he said.

"Let us make this country cohesive. Let us leave our country united. If there are issues, people should be taken to court and not solve them on the streets, bringing the country to the brink of collapse."

Ng'eno emphasised that only constitutional means should be used to resolve grievances.

"Trying to unseat a government through unconstitutional means is hard to achieve. Let us have peace and use the right channels," he added.

He lamented the trend of constant protests and commemorations that continue crippling the economy. "We say every day that there is any happening, we hold anniversaries. When will we work? The youth are complaining of joblessness, yet they keep destroying what exists," he questioned.

Action for Sustainable Change (AFOSC-Kenya) also condemned the violence reported during the protests, calling for restraint from both protestors and security forces.

The group urged police to act professionally and leaders to foster unity.

"Security operations must be guided by professionalism, restraint, and respect for the rule of law. Let us choose peace, uphold dialogue, and protect the dignity of every Kenyan," reads part of the statement.