Gilgil Member of Parliament Martha Wangari has hit out at government officials who complain about social media criticism, telling them to either accept public scrutiny or resign.
Speaking during a public event in Karunga on Sunday, Ms Wangari said that holding public office requires thick skin and a deep respect for freedom of expression.
“If you can’t handle criticism, then public office is not for you,” she said. “You can’t expect to be praised all the time. That’s not how democracy works.”
Her remarks come amid growing public outrage over reports that young Kenyans are being arrested or worse for sharing their opinions online.
“You lead, you listen”
Wangari, who has served Gilgil since 2017, said she has faced her share of insults from constituents but has always chosen to respond with dialogue, not lawsuits.
“I have faced insults and criticism many times in Gilgil,” she told the crowd. “But I’ve never sued anyone. If I did, I’d be in court every day. Criticism, even when harsh, can help us lead better.”
The MP’s comments follow the shocking death of Albert Ojwang’, a teacher and blogger, who died in police custody on June 8 after being arrested for allegedly insulting the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Eliud Lagat, on social media.
An autopsy report contradicted police claims that Ojwang’ took his own life. Instead, it pointed to signs of torture. His family and rights groups are demanding justice.
“This is unacceptable,” Wangari said. “We cannot keep burying our young people just because they spoke their minds.”
Parliament seeks answers
Wangari confirmed that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has been summoned by the National Assembly to answer for what she called a worrying pattern of extra-judicial killings.
While she fiercely defended the right to speak out, Wangari also urged young people to be mindful of how they engage online.
“Freedom of expression is not a licence to insult,” she said. “But arresting or harming people for what they post is not the answer.”
A divided front
Not all leaders agree with Wangari’s stance.
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi has floated the idea of amending Kenya’s Constitution to regulate how citizens use social media.
According to Ms Elachi, platforms like X and Facebook have become tools for online bullying not just of leaders, but among peers as well.
“Our youth are misusing their freedom,” Elachi said during a recent interview. “It’s time we thought seriously about creating boundaries.”
Her comments have stirred debate, with critics warning that such changes could open the door to censorship.
National anxiety
Rights groups say the government’s growing intolerance of criticism is alarming. Amnesty International Kenya has called for full investigations into Ojwang’s death and other cases of suspected police abuse linked to online posts.
Many young Kenyans are now questioning whether their digital activism could land them in trouble or worse.
As Wangari put it: “Criticism is part of public service. If you can’t take the heat, maybe it’s time to leave the kitchen.”
