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Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has confirmed that the raid on President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta's son's home was conducted by the police. 

Kindiki, in a statement released on Friday night, July 21, stated that the operation targeted three homes in the affluent neighbourhood, including Jomo Kenyatta's. 

Police reportedly sought to establish whether weapons, including firearms and crude weapons which were used to fuel violence during violent riots, were supplied by a wide network of civilian firearm holders and leaders of known criminal gangs.

"Today afternoon, an operation has been going on targeting three homesteads within the Karen area where a total of 23 firearms, some of which are suspected to have been used in illegal activities are kept.

An image of the Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki at a past event.

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Ministry of Interior

"Today's operation is part of a broader operation targeting scores of firearm holders who are reasonably suspected to be availing firearms not only for purposes of supporting violent protests but also for other illegal activities," Kindiki claimed. 

He added that civilian firearms and crude weapons were credibly suspected to have been used to harm law enforcement personnel and civilians alike during the violence that has been experienced recently.

"While the Police have intensified their crackdown on the criminal gang leaders who have been commanding criminals to reign terror on the public, the law enforcement agencies have rolled out a nationwide operation, pursuant to their mandate of regulation, control, and management of civilian firearm holders to ensure that those licensed to possess weapons abide by the relevant laws," Kindiki stated.

The CS further emphasised that the raid was necessitated by the arrest of a prominent individual who was accused of planning to distribute crude weapons to criminals during the last three days of violent protests. 

Intelligence reports alleged that the said individuals were planning to wreak havoc on the public to create fear and panic, allegations which are yet to be backed by concrete evidence other than Kindiki's statement. 

Police reportedly seized 14 machetes, 24 swords, 46 rungus, and over 300 sachets of assorted narcotic drugs, including cannabis sativa and cocaine. 

"Also found with him, were documents describing the distribution of Ksh42 million across Nairobi, Central, and Rift Valley regions. The operation will proceed to cover civilian firearm holders in Nairobi and other parts of the Country, who may be using the weapons in their possession to jeopardize our national security. 

"The operation is purely of a security nature and neither its politicization nor sensationalisation will deter law enforcement agencies from ensuring that the Country remains safe and stable," the former Tharaka Nithi Senator added. 

In defence of the raid, the CS cited the Firearms Act (CAP 114) of the Laws of Kenya which he argued authorizes security agencies to inspect premises where firearms are kept and requires civilian firearm holders to produce them for inspection and ballistic examination where it is reasonably suspected that such firearms or ammunition may have been used or expended outside the law.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta outside his son's house in Karen on July 21, 2023

Kenyans.co.ke

Govt Defends Police

While speaking in Murang'a County during Ruto's Mt Kenya tour, Kimani Ichungw'ah, the National Assembly Majority leader, claimed that suspects shot at the police who were quelling riots in Kangemi, Nairobi.  

His statement coincided with Kindiki's, as they both alleged that the lives of police officers were endangered during the nationwide protests. 

"We extend our gratitude and praise to our dedicated security forces for their great efforts in protecting the peace, lives and properties of peace-loving Kenyans during a period when criminals, under the guise of picketing, posed a threat to our democratic, economic, and social fabric," Ichungw'ah, who doubles as Kikuyu MP stated. 

President Ruto further praised the police and promised to defend them against critics.

Uhuru Vows to Protect His Family

Meanwhile, on Friday night July 21, Uhuru rushed to his son's home after the latter made frantic calls, cautious of his safety. 

The fourth president complained that the government was hellbent on targeting his family members in an effort to intimidate him.

He questioned why the officers went to his son's house at night in vehicles with foreign number plates and failed to present a search warrant.

The former head of state further vowed to protect his family even if the current regime decides to withdraw all their security details.

Police officers on Friday, July 21 raided the residence of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's eldest son Jomo Kenyatta in Karen, Nairobi County.

Speaking outside the home, Uhuru disclosed that his son had urgently contacted him, reporting the arrival of Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers in Subarus with Sudanese number plates. The officers had allegedly attempted to forcefully enter the premises. However, Uhuru advised his son to refrain from allowing them access.

Moments after, Uhuru showed up at the residence and expressed his dissatisfaction with the government's obsession with targeting his family. 

" From my understanding, the police do not use foreign number plates, they have a warrant, they show their case and produce the warrant that allows them to do what they want to. I was in the office and I told him not to open the gate. I am now here and now they have left," he narrated.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta outside his son's house in Karen on July 21, 2023

Kenyans.co.ke

"I leave this incident to the law, what do you want with my children, they removed their security now they want to strip them of their weapons," the Azimio chairperson stated. 

"Do whatever you want to do, but do not harm my mother. If these are illegal weapons, then tell the world, but they are licensed, so what is the issue? Uhuru questioned.

The former head of state emphasised he will do whatever it takes to protect his family even if the current regime withdraws security attached to all his family members. 

"I am not demanding any security from them, if they want they want to recall all of them, let them do so," he added.

"Do not think you can intimidate an old woman, children, and grandchildren to intimidate me, if you want me, come, I have not run away. Your people know where I am all the time but leave the children alone," Uhuru dared Ruto.

Uhuru dismissed the allegations that he is funding Azimio's protests stressing that he peacefully handed over power. 

"Is it a crime to associate with Raila? It is my democratic right to support whoever I want. Why intimidate a 90-year-old woman or children? On my association with Raila, am I not supposed to talk to my friends," he posed.

Uhuru further questioned Kenya Kwanza politicians' obsession with bringing him up in its woes despite his pin-drop silence since handing over power last year.

He urged the government to deal with the issues Kenyans have raised like he did when he was in power. Uhuru further advised the new regime to avoid looking for scapegoats and listen to the people.

Mama Ngina

The government's decision to raid the younger Kenyatta's residence came two days after, the security team attached to Mama Ngina Kenyatta was withdrawn without prior communication.

Although the security was restored one day later, the withdrawal was seen as a power move to force the powerful Kenyatta family into pressuring Azimio leader Raila Odinga to call off the ongoing anti-govt protests.

Mama Ngina, a former first lady, is widely considered to be deeply influential in the Kenyan political landscape owing to her deep pockets and vast political network.

Ruto Tiff

President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Kenya Kwanza politicians have repeatedly accused Uhuru of funding Azimio demonstrations, claims which Uhuru denied.

"I want to tell my friend Uhuru, to stop funding Raila to stage demonstrations. You have been a president before, be a gentleman. We supported you when you were Head of State, you supported Raila but we still defeated him, stop funding him,” Ruto stated when he made a stopover in Mai Mahiu town in Nakuru County on July 14.

President William Ruto receives instruments of power from his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Kasarani Stadium

PCS

Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, has announced the resumption of studies in primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

Machogu, on Wednesday, July 19, noted that the government was confident of the safety of the children despite ongoing countrywide demonstrations, which Azimio la Umoja assured supporters will continue unabated.

The decision to re-open schools was based on an accurate assessment of the situation and the ability of the police to guard students and the general public against possible threats as a result of the ongoing protests.  

"On July 18, 2023, the Government took the precautionary measure of ordering all-day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu Counties to remain closed on July 19, 2023.

President William Ruto addresses candidates at Joseph Kang'ethe Primary School in Kibera, on day 2 of the KCPE and KPSEA exams on November 29, 2022.

PCS

"As indicated, the measure was meant to ensure the safety of school children, based on the credible intelligence that criminal elements were intent on engaging with security agencies around certain schools.

"The Government has now undertaken an evaluation of the current security situation in various parts of the country, including in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu Counties," Machogu stated. 

Machogu and his Interior counterpart, Professor Kithure Kindiki explained that the continued closure of schools would significantly jeopardise the national academic calendar. 

"The relevant security agencies have established that the security situation in the three Counties, and in other parts of the country, has been restored to normal. 

"On the basis of the evaluation, it is hereby directed that all day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu Counties re-open for normal school activities on July 20, 2023," Machogu stated. 

The two Cabinet Secretaries also assured children that no one would be allowed to interfere with the studies. They also warned Azimio la Umoja protesters not to try going close to the school, noting that they would face the full force of the Law. 

"The Government has taken adequate measures to guarantee the safety and security of learners and their schools across the country," Machogu assured. 

On Wednesday, July 19, former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga asked his supporters to resume anti-government protest on Thursday morning, as planned. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Philip Etale, Orange Democratic Movement's Communication Director, acknowledged the effort of demonstrators who technically paralysed economic activities in the country.  

"The directive is in line with the Constitution which stipulates that protests should end at 5 pm," Etale stated.

Raila Odinga arrives at Kamukunji Grounds on January 23, 2023.

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Raila Odinga

Update 9:46 pm: Schools in Kisumu are also shut down pending the assessment of the city's security. 

The government on Tuesday, July 18 ordered all day schools in Nairobi and Mombasa counties to be shut down ahead of this week's anti-government protests called for by the Azimio coalition. 

In a joint statement, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and his Interior counterpart Kithure Kindiki announced the decision has been informed by intelligence reports indicating criminal elements intended to unleash terror around certain schools within the two cities.

"As a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of school children, it has been decided that ALL day Primary and Secondary schools within Nairobi and Mombasa cities SHALL remain closed tomorrow," read part of the statement.

A photo of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki during a meeting with security and local administration officials in Mandera County on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

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Kithure Kindiki

The Ministry of Education is expected to announce the resumption of learning in the schools upon assessment of the security situation in the course of tomorrow.

It is still not clear whether the opposition will be on the streets for all the three days, and the action that the State plans to address the disruption that could have far-reaching consequences. 

The directive does not affect schools in other regions, including some that have witnessed violent protests like Kisumu and Kisii.

The last round of protests saw learners stranded as police engaged demonstrators in running battles.

In Kangemi and Nakuru, security forces lobbed teargas in schools, affecting learners who were in classes. In Kangemi, some pupils were hospitalised following the incident.

The government has condemned the acts of disrupting learning activities by subjecting the students to unnecessary chaos as police and protesters engaged in running battles in major cities across the country.

On January 14, Machogu called for more security personnel to be deployed in the learning institutions to avoid such cases from reoccurring.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu speaking to the press during his visit to Mukumu Girls High School on April 14, 2023.

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Ministry of Education

Azimio La Umoja on Friday, July 14, announced that it has stepped up anti-Ruto protests to three days next week from July 19 due to public demand.

In a statement, Azimio led by veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga called upon its supporters to step up the pressure against President William Ruto's government.

The coalition claimed that they have received "overwhelming requests from all sectors of the Kenyan Public for the need to intensify these demonstrations". 

"The Coalition hereby wishes to announce a revision of the calendar. Going forward, the peaceful protests will now be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next week, in line with requests from the public to include three days of activity," read part of the statement.

Protesters engage police officers in running battles in Kisumu on Friday, July 7, 2023.

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Kisumu New Hub

On Thursday, July 13, Raila emphasised that the peaceful protests will continue until the administration lowers the cost of living among other demands.

While addressing the press, the opposition assured their supporters that the protests would carry on despite the handline position from the government side. 

Azimio also promised to advance financial help to the families of people who were killed in the last round of protests this week. 

The opposition also vowed to take legal action against what they termed as police for the extra-judicial killings.

"We have instructed our legal team to institute proceedings against officers who went against their mandate of protecting Kenyans. We are asking Kenyans to share photographs of police who brutalised Kenyans," read part of the statement.

The opposition has accused the government of hiring goons dressed in police attire to attack peaceful protesters across the country.

Ruto has argued that Raila with the financial backing of former President Uhuru Kenyatta is attempting to sabotage Kenya's struggling economy. 

The President insisted that the government will not bow to the pressure from the opposition, adding that they are working to improve the life of Kenyans. 

Ruto's remarks came just a day after Interior CS Kithure Kindiki stated that they would arrest anyone involved in the destruction of property on Wednesday, July 12. 

"The Government has tonight mobilised all the law enforcement agencies of the State and the institutions of our country's criminal justice system to conclude investigations urgently and proceed to the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the planning and execution of the crimes committed today, including those who funded or otherwise aided or abetted the offenders," Kindiki stated. 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki making a speech in Garissa County on Friday, June 2, 2023

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Ministry of Interior

Azimio La Umoja, on Thursday, July 13, alleged that former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya was arrested in link to anti-government protests that crippled the country on Wednesday, July 12. 

In a press briefing at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, former Defense CS Eugene Wamalwa condemned the police for what he claimed was an arbitrary arrest.

The opposition demanded the immediate release of those arrested and asked for charges levelled against the former governor to be dropped. 

"Among those in police custody is Mavoko MP Patrick Makau and as we speak we have just learnt of the arrest of Oparanya. We demand the immediate and unconditional dropping of all charges against these two for participating in a constitutionally protected action," Wamalwa stated. 

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga leading Saba Saba demonstration in Nairobi County on July 7, 2023.

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Raila Odinga

"Across the country, families are mourning their loved ones who are victims of the police force. Tens of people have been hospitalised with gunshot, arrow and panga (machetes) wounds. 

Some victims, he claimed, were young schoolchildren who did not participate in the demonstrations. 

"Hundreds have been detained in police cells or arraigned in court for participating in protests that our constitution protects," Wamalwa stated while reading Azimio's statement.

The former Defense CS also castigated police officers for using excessive force to quell the Wednesday, July 12 protests. 

"We condemn the senseless brutality and state-sanctioned violence of civilians by police which is becoming the new normal in Kenya. We are deeply concerned about the repeated brutality against innocent Kenyans."

While announcing the way forward, Wamalwa declared that protests would continue on Wednesday, July 19, despite opposition and the warning issued by President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. 

Azimio and its supporters will also observe five days of mourning in honour of Kenyans who lost their lives during the mass protests.

"We are going for individual responsibility, especially against police commanders. We will also take five days to help families mourn their loved ones," read the statement in part.

While echoing his statement, Azimio leader Raila Odinga confirmed that they would convene meetings on Wednesday with or without the police approval. 

A photo of Raila Odinga speaking to the press flanked by top Azimio leaders at SKM Centre on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

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Azimio

Azimio La Umoja party leader, Raila Odinga, cancelled his much anticipated Wednesday, July 12 Kamukunji Rally after accusing the police of injuring protesters.

The former Prime Minister added that goons were also sponsored to vandalise property to pin the blame on the opposition, claims that Kenyans.co.ke could not independently verify. 

However, the nationwide protests, according to the opposition leader, will continue until President William Ruto repeals sections of the Finance Act 2023. 

"We have witnessed savage attacks on our supporters by police officers who discriminately shot, injured and killed a number of people across the country, including here in Nairobi," Raila stated. 

He also accused President William Ruto of targeting the protesters who stood up for their rights. 

"Where we have reached, it's only good to note that there is no going back. We will continue to exercise our constitutional rights until when our demands shall have been met. 

Scores of protesters, he lamented, were arrested for participating in an exercise enshrined in the Constitution, slowly degenerating the country into a police state. 

"We must not allow it to happen to our country again. We have always said that these meetings remain peaceful until police decide to break them up with bullets and teargas," Raila claimed. 

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader noted that ordinary citizens were determined to shape their destiny after the Kenya Kwanza government abandoned them in their hour of need. 

While wrapping up his speech, he also acknowledged protesters who came out in large numbers to express their displeasure with Ruto's regime.  

"The message is out loudly and clearly that Kenyans are tired of new promises on top of old pledges and being ignored.

"People are tired of being told what to do and when to do it. People are tired of going to bed hungry, facing the new day hungry and returning to bed hungry. People are tired of walking from one corner of this city to another, one town to another, one office to another, trying to find, a job and finding no job," Raila advocated for change.

A police car is torched by protesters at Emali on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway on July 12, 2023.

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Azimio la Umoja party leader, Raila Odinga, on Tuesday, July 11, launched a signature collection initiative called Tumechoka Citizens to discredit President William Ruto's administration.

Speaking at Stephen Kalonzo Centre in Nairobi, Raila urged all Kenyans to append their signatures in solidarity against Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua. 

According to Raila, Ruto's administration had ignored the grievances raised over the Finance Act 2023 and strayed from the will of the people. 

"Having read and understood the intention of the promoters of this initiative, I hereby Support the Citizens’ initiative to remove from office Mr. William Ruto as President and Mr. Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya," the website tumechoka.com pleads. 

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga alighting from a Matatu in Nairobi's CBD on Monday, July 10, 2023.

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Raila Odinga

The signature collection initiative will be launched in all 47 counties. Kenyans were urged to come out in large numbers and sign the petition to express their dissatisfaction with the current regime. 

To further the opposition's political discourse, Raila argued that the people were mandated to protect their future and reject unnecessary tax burdens. 

"The signature will show that Raila is not speaking for himself, but for millions of people who are walking together with him," the former Prime Minister stated. 

On her part, Narc Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua stated that the signatures were not necessarily meant to impeach President Ruto but to demonstrate defiance against his regime, and force him to listen to the people. 

Her statement was contrary to the content on the website, which clearly stated that the signatures would dictate the way forward in the ouster of Ruto and Gachagua. 

Karua explained, unlike the propaganda being peddled around, the signature collection provided a platform for Kenyans to express their grievances and disappointments.

“Since there is no place big enough to hold a general meeting of the Kenyan public, we will hold as many meetings as possible across the country.

“The people will hold their own referendum of signatures. By the time we hit the threshold of 10 million, we will know majority of Kenyans are speaking,” she stated, noting that for a long time, Azimio was discredited for arguing that it enjoyed the support of the people.

At the centre of Raila's anti-government protest was the high-cost living, which he claimed was worsened by the new tax measures enforced to collect revenue at the expense of the well-being of the people. 

Members of parliament in the national assembly on Wednesday July 5, 2023.

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Parliament of Kenya

"We are tired of the high cost of living, the tax hikes, and the corruption that is rampant in this government.

"We are tired of being lied to and taken for granted. We are tired of being ruled by a government that does not care about the people," Raila claimed. 

The signature collection initiative is the latest in recent protests and demonstrations organised by the opposition in recent months. 

Removal of President from Office

A Kenyan President can be removed from office through impeachment or on the grounds of incapacity. 

In Kenya, there are two grounds on which a president can be impeached:

• Gross violation of a provision of the Constitution or any other law, including abuse of power, corruption, or treason.
• Committing a crime under national or international law, including genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity.

At least a third of all MPs must support a motion tabled in the National Assembly. 

If the motion is passed, it is forwarded to the Senate, where the President is tried and given an opportunity to defend himself and present evidence. 

The Senate then votes on whether to uphold the charges against the President. Two-thirds of all senators are required to support the motion to oust the President. 

The office of the President can also become vacant if the holder of the office dies or resigns in writing in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly. 

The High Court on Monday, July 10, ruled that the Finance Act 2023 will proceed to a full trial and extended its suspension.

Judge Mugure Thande ruled that if implemented, some Kenyans will be unfairly subjected to taxes.

The case was filed by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah challenging the constitutionality of the Act which has since been assented into Law by President William Ruto.

"The petitioners have proved that they have a prima facie case....there's merit in granting conservatory orders," the judge ruled.

“Upon evaluation of the submissions, I have no difficulty finding that the petitioners have established a case with a probability of success.” 

Chief Justice Martha Koome speaking on Wednesday May 10, 2023.

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Judiciary of Kenya

During the ruling, Judge Thande noted that public interest lay in the momentary suspension of the Finance Act and that the State would not be prejudiced.  

The judge has certified the matter for an expanded bench giving way to Chief Justice Martha Koome to appoint judges to hear and determine the case. 

The respondents in the petition had sought abeyance (temporary suspension) of seven days to move to the Court of Appeal.

The respondents including Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndugu and the Attorney General's office noted that it was unclear what would happen to the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary during the time when the Finance Act 2023, remained suspended.

It was argued that the orders issued to suspend implementation of the Finance Act 2023, would bring crisis to the government in relation to revenue mobilisation and expenditure approval.

As such, the respondents had prayed to the High Court to exercise its secondary jurisdiction and suspend the conservatory orders. But the defence argued the orders cannot halt government operations. 

“It is already 12 days since you suspended Finance Act 2023 and the government has not shut down. Our colleagues should stop scaremongering. The law provides for mechanisms of continuity through the Finance Act 2022. All that has stopped are the new taxes,” defence lawyer Otiende Amollo argues. 

Omtatah had argued that the Finance Act contained amendments to several laws that had nothing to do with raising revenue and laws that affected the work of the Senate in protecting the interests of counties and their governments. 

The first-term senator had further argued it was against the law to force employees to contribute an amount of money based on the applicable blanket deductible percentage without consideration of their existing contractual obligations on their salaries arguing it was not reasonable.

Lawyer and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah on June 18, 2023.

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Okiya Omtatah

Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga on Friday, July 7, vow to form his own electoral commission should the Select Committee go ahead with the process without considering the coalition's views.

The former premier was addressing the press minutes after the planned Saba Saba demonstrations ended in running battles around Nairobi City. 

Other Azimio honchos on Friday, July 7, also led demonstrations in other parts of the country with former Gichugu MP Martha Karua taking the streets in Kirinyaga. 

"I want to make it very clear that if they ignore us then that will be a Kenya Kwanza commission which will not be party to. We as Azimio la Umoja will also go ahead and form our own electoral commission," Raila threatened. 

Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga leads supporters in a rally at Kamukunji on Friday, July 7, 2023.

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Raila Odinga

National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi announced during the presser that another round of nationwide protests will take place on Wednesday, July 12. 

The protests follow months of failed talks between a bipartisan committee appointed by the ruling Kenyan Kwanza and Azimio in March. 

The opposition wants President Ruto's administration to tackle the rising cost of living, open election servers, and stop the ongoing recruitment of electoral body commissioners. 

"We have also said that the people of Kenya have a right to demonstrate and picket because these are rights enshrined in our constitution," Raila affirmed.

"We are, therefore, collecting 10 million signatures in order to delegitimise this regime. In response, we will carry out our own referendum in order to delegitimise this regime." 

Raila claimed that Ruto's administration had personally targeted him during the protest that began from Kamukunji Grounds to Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD). 

Former Murang'a Governor Mwangi wa Iria noted that the Azimio la Umoja will soon lead a major protest in Central Kenya in order to denounce President Ruto's regime. 

"People from Central Kenya have been asking us when we will go to the Mountain Region and organise a big protest against this regime. They should not worry because we are going there," Mwangi wa Iria assured Azimio la Umoja supporters. 

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka took to his backyard in Machakos County to spread the anti-government message among his supporters. 

Other leaders in the protests on Friday include former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and former Presidential Candidate George Wajackoya who led their supporters in Kakamega and Vihiga Counties respectively. 

Protesters engage police officers in running battles in Kisumu on Friday, July 7, 2023.

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Kisumu New Hub