Opposition calls for boycott of state-linked businesses in fresh push for justice
The leaders said rogue security personnel and government-backed gangs have been deployed to intimidate citizens and destroy property in areas seen as opposition strongholds.
Kenya’s opposition has launched a campaign urging citizens to cut ties with businesses and services linked to the current administration, accusing President William Ruto’s government of presiding over killings, abductions, and a coordinated crackdown on dissenting regions.
Speaking at the SKM Command Centre in Nairobi on Tuesday, the opposition alliance said the campaign will be led through the People’s Restoration Justice Commission (PRJC), which was formed on June 24 to collect and document incidents of brutality, including those involving police and armed groups allegedly sponsored by the State.
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The alliance said it would use the collected evidence to pursue legal action, and if necessary, initiate private prosecutions.
The opposition team includes Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, Justin Muturi, Fred Matiang’i, and Torome Saitoti. They accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of pushing the country into chaos and failing to uphold the rule of law.
“We issue this call to action: Boycott the businesses, services and institutions owned, operated or publicly linked to this regime and its enablers,” the leaders said.
Mukhisa Kituyi, who read the joint statement, added that the public would soon be provided with a list of regime-linked businesses.
“We will publicise a list of shame and call on the public to share any information on businesses affiliated with this list,” he said.
They said the boycott would be one of many measures aimed at challenging a regime they described as dangerous, intolerant, and unaccountable.
Kituyi said rogue security personnel and government-backed gangs have been deployed to intimidate citizens and destroy property in areas seen as opposition strongholds.
“This regime is hostile to all. It cannot be reasoned with and must be resisted. We will not rest, retreat or surrender,” Kituyi said.
The alliance gave examples of violence recorded between July 6 and 7, including an incident where the Kenya Human Rights Commission was attacked during a press briefing, allegedly by a state-linked gang.
They claimed police stood by as women were physically assaulted. Another case involved a raid on Kitengela Hospital, where medical services were disrupted and equipment looted.
They also spoke of vandalism and looting of supermarkets and small businesses, as well as the unexplained collection of bodies by police trucks, calling it part of a wider campaign of political persecution.
The leaders accused the Ruto administration, the Interior Ministry, the National Police Service, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations of committing crimes against humanity as defined in Article 7 of the Rome Statute.
“The regime is no longer engaged in mere repression. It has graduated into full-blown persecution,” Kituyi said.
“These are not isolated incidents. They are systematic, targeted and sanctioned at the highest levels.”
They vowed to stay away from any events or spaces organised by government-linked institutions and urged Kenyans to do the same. They said they would support resistance efforts across communities and back citizen-led initiatives to defend constitutional freedoms.
“Change does not come by asking politely. It is wrestled from the hands of those who thrive on fear and oppression,” the leaders added.
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo said the PRJC will be expanded to nine members, including legal experts, retired judges, journalists, and human rights defenders. He said the evidence collected would be handed to the DPP, but in case of inaction, the opposition would proceed with private prosecutions.
“After documenting the incidents, we will provide the evidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions. If he fails to act, we will initiate private prosecutions,” Maanzo said. “There is no timeline. We will continue until everyone gets justice and the people are satisfied. This is a people’s initiative.”
He said individuals affected by the violence will also be supported to file compensation cases against the State.
Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni raised alarm over the growing number of enforced disappearances, police killings and abductions. He called for public inquests into each death and disappearance linked to the recent protests and said those responsible, including security commanders, must be held accountable.
Justin Muturi said the PRJC was born out of deep frustration and widespread public suffering. He said the country is going through immense trauma and the victims need both justice and healing. Lawyer Bob Mkangi said the commission was a form of political pressure to force transparency and accountability from the regime.
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