Kenya has never had opposition since 1969; Former CJ Willy Mutunga
Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has stated that Kenya has not had a genuine opposition since 1969, following the banning of the Kenya People’s Union (KPU).
Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has stated that Kenya has not had a genuine opposition since 1969, following the banning of the Kenya People’s Union (KPU).
KPU was banned by the government, effectively transforming Kenya into a one-party state.
This ban followed a period of growing political tension and unrest, culminating in the Kisumu massacre and the subsequent declaration that the KPU was “dangerous to the good government of the Republic of Kenya.”
In a statement on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Mutunga said the current crop of leaders claiming to be in opposition would likely act no differently if they assumed power.
“To be true, Kenya has never had an opposition since KPU was banned in 1969. These people in power will do exactly what KK is doing, if not worse,” read the statement.
This comes as the opposition leaders, led by former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, began a two-day political tour of western Kenya on Thursday, July 3.
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The tour is part of a growing national campaign aimed at rallying public support and addressing what they term a “liberation cause” for the country.
Gachagua was joined by key opposition figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Attorney General Justin Muturi, and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
The team has held rallies in Luanda and Mbale, Vihiga County, followed by engagements in Malava, Mumias, and Kakamega Town, Kakamega County.
The western Kenya tour comes just days after a large political gathering in Narok County on June 30, 2025, where Gachagua described the public turnout as a “sea of humanity” and reaffirmed the opposition’s resolve to push for democratic reforms.
“A sea of humanity in one collective has spoken from Narok on an unstoppable liberation cause of our country, Kenya. We have heard your cry like all other Kenyans,” Gachagua declared following the Narok tour.
“There is great hope and light ahead that our nation will be free again; there will be no abductions and anarchy, no extrajudicial killings, and the rule of law shall be respected,” he added, signalling continued criticism of the current administration’s governance and security record.
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