Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has accused President William Ruto’s administration of using anti-terror laws to silence youth-led protests demanding accountability.

Wamalwa on Tuesday, July 22, claimed the government has weaponized the  criminal justice system against citizens, using the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act to clamp down on free speech and digital activism.

“The criminal justice system has been used by the government against its own citizens. The law is being twisted to tarnish, intimidate and crush dissent,” noted Wamalwa.

He said nearly 100 young people and their alleged sponsors are facing charges under terrorism laws, citing the arrests of Rose Jerry, Rex Maasai and Albert Ojwang during protests.

“Almost 100 young Kenyans including their alleged sponsors are being charged under terrorism laws. Section 4 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act carries up to 30 years in prison, yet Section 2 of the same law clearly exempts protestors,” explained Wamalwa.

He argued that using terror charges against protesters is turning a constitutional right into a life-threatening and financially crippling ordeal.

“This is turning a constitutionally protected activity into a life-threatening and financially crippling ordeal,” observed Wamalwa.

At the same time, Wamalwa described the move as unconstitutional and an attempt to instill fear and criminalize freedoms protected under Article 37 of the Constitution, which he said guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket.

“This is a calculated move to instill fear, to silence voices of reason and to erode our democracy,” added Wamalwa.

The DAP-K leader also called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to urgently release a clear and credible roadmap for the 2027 general election, warning that delays could harm the commission’s credibility and the country’s democracy.

“We must avoid another false start. The IEBC must urgently publish a transparent roadmap to the 2027 polls. Any form of delay or confusion will be disastrous not only to the commission’s credibility but also to our democracy,” noted Wamalwa.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday defended the government’s actions, saying those who attack police stations and  burn property must face the law.

“If you invade a police station and burn it, steal guns, beat officers, torch courts, administration units and private businesses, what is the crime if not terrorism,” observed Murkomen.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has defended the charges, noting they align with legal thresholds and national security requirements.

“The charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act should be understood within the framework of established legal thresholds and national security imperatives rather than interpreted as efforts to suppress legitimate political expression,” explained the ODPP.