Nairobi News

Following a series of anti-government protests across the country, Interior Cabinet Secretary Professor Kithure Kindiki has warned the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition leaders.

The CS dismissed claims that the government feared going after the big names organising and funding the demonstrations.

In a rebuke to protesters who shut down businesses in at least 20 counties on Wednesday, July 12, the CS said the police officers were pursuing those who caused havoc and torched police vehicles in Mavoko area.

Without naming Azimio leader Raila Odinga directly, the CS said some people were raising funds to mobilise the youth to cause chaos, including the retired leaders who will soon be arrested and face the full force of the law.

Also read: Maandamano Wednesday: What to do incase you run into demonstrators

The CS hit out at some social media users who were already spreading rumours that the government would not go after some of the leaders behind the protests.

“I have heard some saying that the government will not do anything to so-and-so but I want to say this, the Constitution of Kenya is one, the law is one and there is no law for the weak and the law for the powerful… it does not matter which politician is involved,” CS Kindiki said.

“We have arrested 312 people including an MP who is in court and we will continue to arrest others who are the current leaders or the former leaders who influenced or arranged what we have seen.”

He said the Kenya Kwanza administration would no longer take the matter lightly as Kenyans and businessmen are counting their losses as a section of the people take to the streets in the name of cost of living.

Addressing locals in Kajado North Constituency after opening Kiserian Police Station on Thursday, the CS said 312 people had been arrested in connection with the destruction of property and taking part in an illegal demonstration.

The CS also announced that there would be no more violent demonstrations in the country, adding that previous protests organised by the Azimio had been violent.

“That is why we are saying that from now on in the country, we will not allow any violent demonstrations again, and anyone who doubts should try and see. I’ve heard some people say they will continue, let them, we’re ready.”

Also read: How Raila’s Azimio pulled off ‘devolved’ maandamano across the country

While defending the police officers, the CS said there were no police officers in Mlolongo when the Azimio protesters destroyed a section of the Nairobi Express Way.

He also said the police acted professionally by avoiding confrontation with charged crowds in some parts of the country by retreating to avoid loss of life.

“When the police disperse the crowd, they are accused of using excessive force; when they retreat to avoid injuring members of the public, they are called cowards.”

The CS urged police officers not to joke with criminals and ordered them to deal with them firmly and without mercy.

He said the Azimio demonstration was an act of terror.

Government officials and politicians under Kenya Kwanza have also been asked to avoid breaking the law and that anyone found on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with, irrespective of party affiliation.

Politicians taking part in demonstrations also risk losing their security after the CS said the government would disarm them.

“We’re not going to provide you with armed security… If you’re a protester, you can’t be armed. You cannot even have bodyguards who are armed because this protest will be armed.”

Meanwhile, MPs condemned skirmishes that were reported in Kitengela town, blaming some individuals for transporting goons to cause violence in a peaceful area.

The list of the local leaders who denounced the violence including Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, Kajiado East MP George Sunkuya Risa, Kajiado South MP Parashina Samuel Sakimna, Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku and Kajiado Woman Representative Leah Sankaire.

Also read: Maandamano aftermath: Businesses counting losses after Azimio protests