Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, expressed deep concern over the widespread violence, looting, and destruction of both private and public property in several parts of Nairobi and other towns across the country following the nationwide anti-government protests.
In a press statement released earlier, he attributed the chaos to a small group of former and current politicians, led by Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga, whom he claimed has a notorious association with violent politics in Kenya.
"The authors of today's orgy of violence and destruction took cue from a small group of former and current politicians coalescing around Mr. Raila Odinga, whose association with violent politics in Kenya is now legendary," Kindiki said.
Highlighting the historical backdrop, CS Kindiki referenced significant instances of political unrest in the nation. "From the 1982 attempted coup-de-tat to the 2007/08 post-election violence," he stated, "this same politician and his collaborators have been associated with risky politics that have occasionally brought our country to the brink of destruction."
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Furthermore, the Cabinet Secretary criticized the actions of Raila and his supporters following the 2017 General Election, accusing them of disregarding the pronouncements of constitutionally established institutions.
He alleged that their violent activities forced the government to accommodate Raila, resulting in a period of government excesses, a significant national debt, and a surge in the cost of living—a burden Kenya is still grappling with today.
In a scathing remark, CS Kindiki held Raila responsible for the recent wave of lawlessness and unprovoked looting.
He accused him and his co-conspirators of orchestrating a day of shameless criminality, which included the looting of private premises, illegal obstruction of economic activities, and extensive damage to public assets and infrastructure.
The Interior Cabinet Secretary further revealed that the perpetrators had deceived the police by falsely claiming to organize a peaceful political rally at Kamukunji grounds.
However, they unleashed terror on innocent Kenyans, resulting in loss of life, severe injuries to law enforcement officers and civilians, and a substantial blow to the country's economy.
CS Kindiki assured the public that this culture of impunity would not be tolerated.
He declared, "All those who took part, directly or indirectly, in today's well-orchestrated violation of public safety and security of our nation shall be punished."
Taking immediate action, Kindiki said the government has mobilized all law enforcement agencies and the country's criminal justice system to expedite investigations.
The aim is to arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in planning and executing the crimes committed during the recent violence, including those who provided funding or assisted the offenders in any way.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this Wednesday of chaos, Kenyans are left hopeful that the concerns of the protestors will be addressed sooner thus averting further protests.
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