In a functioning democracy, the Civil Society Organisations serve as the backbone of justice, a force that guarantees peace and protects the rights and freedoms of every citizen. Siaya Civil Society Organisations, once conceived with this noble mission, is now a shadow of its intended purpose. The integrity of the institution has been compromised by a growing and dangerous trend—the shifting loyalty of its officials from the constitution to political power-brokers. This betrayal has come at an enormous cost, shaking public confidence, deepening injustice, and weakening the very foundation of our democracy.
There has been a glaring transition from impartial arbiters to political instruments. What we witness today is a system where the CSOs are no longer neutral champions for transparency, accountability and good governance but tools in the hands of those who wield political influence. Rather than serve the people, the CSOs now serve the interests of the elite. Rather than uphold justice, they enforce political agendas. This transformation has left a bitter taste in the mouths of thousands of Siaya residents who now view the CSOs not as protectors, but as threats to their freedoms.
Corruption within the CSOs is no longer limited to extortion or abuse of power in low-level interactions. It has taken a more sophisticated and dangerous form—becoming a strategic tool for suppressing dissent, silencing the oversight institutions, and shielding the politically connected from accountability. Once a symbol of honor and duty, Siaya CSOs has become a pass for sworn allegiance to power rather than to principle.
This crisis of integrity has been laid bare in several high-profile impeachment events at Siaya County Assembly. Siaya casuals and Market cleaners tired of systemic abuse by the department of Trade, took to the streets in peaceful protest. Rather than listen to their grievances and act in good faith, the CECM – Trade responded with force while sacking dissenting voices. CSOs, acting under political orders, unleashed violence against the Siaya County Assembly as an oversight institution. This remains one of the most tragic and shameful moments in our democratic history. It isn’t just a failure of CSOs—it is a clear example of the state using the CSOs to silence its own people.
The credibility of the CSOs suffers further damage intimidating Siaya MCAs, and providing cover for political thugs have become the norm. Rather than act as guardians of integrity, transparency, accountability and good governance, the CSOs have acted as enforcers of political manipulation, turning democracy into a contest of clanism and gender wars rather than ideas.
Equally troubling is the pattern of selective justice. Meanwhile, CECMs who openly embezzle public funds are shielded from scrutiny simply because of their proximity to power.
This trend has devastating consequences for public trust. When citizens no longer believe that the CSOs serve the people, they turn to self-help. The public, especially the youth, begin to see CSOs not as a partner in justice but as a weapon of oppression.
The roots of this decay are embedded in the structure of our devolved governance. Siaya CSOs is vulnerable to political manipulation. This structure allows politicians to influence policy decisions for personal or partisan gain.
Compounding the problem is the absence of accountability. CSO officials implicated in extortion, or human rights abuses are rarely investigated, let alone prosecuted. The Siaya County Assembly, while tasked with oversight, often lacks the independence or political will to hold senior officers accountable—especially when such officers are executing orders from above.
Investment in human rights education, and community engagement is necessary to create a force that serves the people, not power.
The oversight institutions must be strengthened and made truly independent. The Siaya County Assembly and other watchdog bodies must be empowered to discipline errant public and/or state officers without fear or favor. Impunity must end, and those who abuse power to violate citizens’ rights must be exposed and punished.
Finally, Siaya residents themselves must become active participants in holding their leaders accountable. Civil society organizations, the media, and whistleblowers must continue to document and expose abuses. The people must demand better and refuse to normalize political manipulation. Only through sustained pressure and engagement can true change be achieved.
Siaya CSOs is at a crossroads. It can continue down this dangerous path of compromise and decline, or it can be reformed into an agency that truly serves and protects. The choice lies not just with policymakers, but with every Siaya resident who believes in justice, democracy, and the rule of law.
The cost of political loyalty in governance is too high. It is paid in the blood of innocent citizens, in the loss of public trust, and in the collapse of institutions. It is time to draw the line and reclaim the CSOs for what it was meant to be—a servant of the people, not a tool of oppression.
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