The government of the Republic of Kenya has expressed deep concern over the recent spate of violent protests called by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition that caused momentary disruptions to public order in various parts of the country.
Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, issued a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing the delicate balance between the right to peaceful assembly and the imperative to protect national security.
"The government is deeply concerned by the recent pockets of violent protests that led to momentary disruption of public order in some parts across the country," said Omollo.
Omollo said the protests took a dangerous turn, posing a significant challenge to the fundamental principles of democracy and social cohesion on which the nation is built.
The aftermath of the riots has resulted in regrettable and avoidable losses, prompting the government to take stock of the situation.
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"The new trend of negatively profiling, harassing, and attacking security personnel saw a total of 305 law enforcement officers seriously injured and 1 fatality while executing the cardinal responsibility of protecting lives and property," stated PS Omollo.
The government said during the protests, the National Police Service suffered considerable damage, with 158 vehicles and 9 police stations burnt down or severely damaged by individuals masquerading as protesters.
According to Omollo's statement, more than 850 shops and other business premises were broken into and looted, and 199 buildings were destroyed, causing losses worth billions of shillings. Various public utilities were also vandalized during the unrest.
"A total of 156 cases of assault and violent robberies were also reported while several non-protesting motorists and pedestrians were attacked and robbed of their belongings by the rioters who blocked 69 roads during the demonstrations," added PS Omollo.
The situation has prompted authorities to launch investigations into reports of civilians carrying firearms and their potential involvement in the injuries and fatalities recorded during the riots.
"The massive losses mark an irreplaceable toll that underscores the urgency of taking more decisive actions to avert a repeat of the same anywhere in the Republic of Kenya," urged PS Omollo.
In the face of such challenges, the government's priority now lies in restoring peace and stability through collective efforts.
PS Omollo called upon all law-abiding citizens to uphold the rule of law and express their grievances through legal means.
"Our prime focus is now on restoring peace and stability through collective efforts, and we call upon all law-abiding citizens to uphold the rule of law and air their grievances through legal means," stated PS Omollo firmly.
The government's commitment to safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly while ensuring national security should remain resolute.
As the nation moves forward, efforts will be intensified to prevent such violent protests and protect the welfare of all citizens.
