Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern directive to security forces to clamp down on anti-government protests in Karatina, citing disruptions to businesses and public order.
Speaking during a burial ceremony at the Muruguru Primary School in Nyeri on Wednesday, July 31, the Deputy President expressed strong disapproval of the ongoing unrest and called for immediate action against those responsible.
"What is happening in Karatina is not acceptable," Gachagua declared.
"Every week there are some criminals disrupting businesses. They are engaging the police in hide-and-seek games every week. These characters are known, they should be arrested and taken to court."
The Deputy President emphasized the negative impact these protests are having on local businesses and the overall peace in the region.
"We cannot accept a situation where criminals are crippling services in Karatina and the people who are organising these things are known," he stated.
"So the county Commissioner and your team, put your best foot forward and bring an end to that nonsense in Karatina."
Gachagua underscored the need to maintain peace and order in Karatina, which he described as a vital part of a peaceful region and country.
"This is a very peaceful county in a very peaceful region and in a peaceful country, we cannot have anarchy," he said.
"We cannot have a chaotic situation where thugs are making it impossible for business people and ordinary Kenyans to carry out their daily business."
The Deputy President's comments come amid escalating tensions in Karatina, where weekly protests have increasingly disrupted the normal functioning of businesses and strained local security forces even after President William Ruto addressed the needs championed by Gen Z.
