The Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, has proposed the designation of specific public spaces where people can conduct their protests.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 18, Mwaura claimed that Parliament should engineer a law to restrict demonstrations in certain areas, in order to prevent the destruction of property and violence, which he said undermines the infrastructural and economic progress the country has made over the years.
During protests, according to Mwaura, the public should refrain from engaging in violence by provoking security officers or destroying property, acts he claims not only compromise the spirit of genuine protests but also endanger the lives of other civilians.
"Let us be clear: violence from any side is unacceptable. Our democracy gives room for dissent, but not disorder, and disobedience. We must resist the temptation to respond to wrongs with further wrongs," Mwaura said.
"To this end, Parliament is encouraged to put in place an enabling legislation that safeguards the right to picket in a peaceable manner by designating public spaces for such endeavours, while ensuring that other citizens can go about their lawful business without obstruction. This is how a mature democracy balances rights with responsibilities," he added.
Additionally, Mwaura claimed that politicians should not take advantage of the tension in the country to incite violence or settle political scores. The spokesman stressed the need for all political, civil society, and community leaders to be at the vanguard in advocating for peace.
"At this time, settling political scores at the expense of public peace is not only irresponsible but also dangerous. True leadership demands responsibility and commitment to God and Country," he said.
Responding to the incident where police officers harassed and allegedly shot Bonface Mwangi Kariuki, a mask vendor, in the head during protests near Cabral Street in Nairobi, Mwaura urged the public to remain calm, as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) conducts investigations into the incident.
Kariuki is recuperating at the Kenyatta National Hospital. Preliminary reports indicate that the victim was shot using a rubber bullet, causing damage to the upper part of his body, in particular the head.
The two police officers involved in the shooting of the vendor have been identified as Masinde Baraza and Duncan Kiprono from Kileleshwa Police Station and are currently in police custody at Capitol Hill.
"The Government has noted with concern an incident in which a police officer is alleged to have shot a civilian. We are encouraged to report that our fellow citizen is recuperating well in the hospital. Such actions are unacceptable, and the Government is committed to thorough investigations by the IPOA. Justice must be served and accountability will be pursued as per the provisions of the law," he said.
According to the Kenyatta National Hospital, in a statement on Wednesday, June 18, apart from Kariuki, a total of 16 patients were received at the hospital with gunshot and blunt force injuries.
