A collective of former political detainees is urging Raila Odinga’s opposition camp to disengage from the broad-based government, saying such a move could open the door for establishing a new leadership structure.

Speaking through lawyer Gitobu Imanyara, the group, which includes notable figures like Oginga Kawino, Wafula Buke, Kiongo Maina, Oduor Ong’wen, Ngotho Kariuki, and James Maina criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration for allegedly undermining the Constitution and dragging the nation back to authoritarian rule reminiscent of the Moi era.

In a pointed statement, the former prisoners declared that a government responsible for such transgressions has no moral authority to stay in power.

Wafula Buke has called on President William Ruto’s government to step down, saying it should allow Kenyans the space to take charge of their own governance.

According to Buke, even those who once believed they could work within the Kenya Kwanza framework should now reevaluate their stance.

He questioned why the opposition continues to engage in joint governance when, in his view, the administration has failed to uphold its responsibilities.

“It’s time comrades working with this regime withdraw their support and give Kenyans a chance to shape a new government,” he said.

The group of former political prisoners maintains that the Kenya Kwanza government remains afloat largely due to backing from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

They argue that if ODM pulls out, it could spark the beginning of a new political realignment.

“I urge those seen as patriotic and progressive to stop propping up this government so we can create the conditions necessary for change,” Buke added.

Their remarks come amid public outrage over the death of Albert Ojwang, who died while in custody at Nairobi’s Central Police Station.

The group drew chilling parallels between their experiences under former President Moi and the treatment of dissenters today under Ruto’s leadership.

In a striking twist, the former political prisoners argue that detention without trial once the harshest punishment under President Moi for dissent was, ironically, less dangerous than the current tactics employed by the Ruto administration.

“Back then, if the State couldn’t find grounds to prosecute you, they’d simply detain you without trial. But this government seems to have introduced a more sinister alternative eliminating critics outright,” said Wafula Buke.

He expressed concern over an alarming pattern: “What sets this regime apart is its focus—not just on leaders but on young people. In fact, more young people have lost their lives under this administration than during our time.”

“In Moi’s era, they might have targeted us and spared our children. Today, they are killing the future,” he added grimly.

The former political detainees also condemned the government’s handling of those implicated in the death of Albert Ojwang, with particular criticism aimed at Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat, who claimed on Monday to have “stepped aside.”

Lawyer Gitobu Imanyara cast doubt on the authenticity and seriousness of Lagat’s resignation, pointing out that the letter lacked a clear recipient.

“If you examine the so-called letter, it isn’t addressed to anyone. That’s highly irregular. Such a letter should have been directed to the National Police Service, which would then initiate the necessary steps to begin an investigation,” Imanyara noted.

He further criticized Lagat for naming his own Principal Assistant, Patrick Tito, as his stand-in, arguing that an official under investigation has no authority to pick their temporary replacement.

“There is no such provision in law. This is deception. They’re not acting in good faith,” he said.

Imanyara emphasized that stepping aside doesn’t free Lagat from accountability, especially since the National Police Commission has yet to launch a formal probe.

“I don’t even know what ‘stepping aside’ is supposed to mean in this context,” he added.