The Mlolongo Expressway Toll Station and several other key infrastructures suffered extensive damages amounting to potentially over Sh706.7 million following violent anti-government protests on Wednesday.
Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen, who conducted a road inspection on Thursday, expressed deep concern over the orchestrated destruction, emphasizing that those responsible will face the full weight of the law.
During the inspection, CS Murkomen disclosed, "There are 3 railway stations that were damaged during yesterday's demos. We witnessed pre-planned attacks on key infrastructure. They came with equipment to cut copper wires. They targeted materials that they could sell."
The toll station and railway stations were specifically targeted by protesters seeking to cause disruption and damage tradeable items.
Based on preliminary assessments, CS Murkomen estimated the damage to the expressway alone to be over Sh706.7 million.
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"The damage could be over $5 million on the expressway not adding the damage to the railway stations," Murkomen said.
Furthermore, he underscored the ongoing investigation, which has already led to the arrest of over 50 individuals.
He assured the public that intelligence agencies would utilize CCTV footage to identify additional suspects involved in the destructive acts.
"Fortunately most of them were captured on camera, we have the footage, the police have arrested not less than 50 people in relation to the acts that happened here yesterday, but we had almost 2,000 people operating from here," he stated.
In a stern tone, CS Murkomen vowed to hold all culprits accountable for their actions, insisting that they would be made to bear the burden of paying for the damages inflicted.
"We will make sure that all those who organized this targeted attack are going to personally pay. They will carry the liability for every damage that was caused and for every penny that will be paid from the exchequer they will be asked to indemnify the people of Kenya," he affirmed.
The CS stressed that not only would the individuals face criminal charges, but civil suits would also be filed to ensure that all the organizers were held responsible.
Condemning the violence witnessed during the protests, CS Murkomen denounced the use of such methods to address political grievances.
"This is not a civilized way to deal with a political issue. We know that there was no political statement being made yesterday but just an act of terrorism to instil fear in Kenyans," Murkomen asserter.
The Cabinet Secretary made it clear that the government would not tolerate such behaviour in the future and warned against any plans for similar protests.
"The President and the Cabinet will do anything possible to make sure that this behaviour is brought to an end. And even those who planned to repeat this act will meet the full force of the law," he cautioned.
The extensive damages incurred at the Mlolongo Expressway Toll Station and the subsequent arrests demonstrate the government's commitment to maintaining law and order, safeguarding public infrastructure, and protecting the citizens of Kenya.
As investigations progress, the authorities remain resolute in their pursuit of justice and recompense for the damages caused.
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