Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has sharply criticised President Samia Suluhu Hassan over remarks interpreted as calling for tougher action against young protesters in Kenya.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 5, Odhiambo accused regional leaders of undermining democratic freedoms after President Suluhu reportedly urged her counterpart William Ruto to deal firmly with Kenya’s Gen Z demonstrators.
“When two heads of state meet to discuss how to whip and discipline citizens demanding accountability, we’ve crossed from democracy into dictatorship,” Odhiambo said.
She termed Suluhu’s alleged comments a direct attack on constitutional rights, arguing that calls for accountability should never be treated as criminal behaviour.
“President Suluhu’s call for President Ruto to join her in suppressing Gen Zs is a conspiracy against constitutional rights,” she added.
Odhiambo defended the right to peaceful protest, saying democracy is built on the rule of law, human rights and accountable leadership. According to her, these values cannot be negotiated by those in power.
“The audacity to frame calls for good governance as notorious behaviour that must be tamed is an insult to every freedom our constitutions guarantee,” she said.
She further warned leaders against using force to silence law abiding citizens who are rightfully agitating for their rights from those who abuse office power.
“If exercising our constitutional right to protest makes us deserving of canes and whips, then our leaders have forgotten who they serve. We will not be silenced. We will not be beaten into submission,” Odhiambo stated.
Her remarks came in support of Nairobi Senator Mr. Edwin Sifuna, who had also condemned the Tanzanian leader’s comments in a post on X.
“Mama anasema tuchapwe mikwaju…tutalinda demokrasia kama watoto watovu wa adabu!” Sifuna wrote.
The exchange has sparked debate online, with many Kenyans defending the role of young people in demanding reforms, transparency and better governance through lawful demonstrations.