Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning following the deadly June 25 protests that left at least 16 people dead and over 400 injured.
Kindiki condemned the events that unfolded during the June 25 commemorative protests on Wednesday, terming it the most violent and anarchic day in the history of Kenya since the 2007/08 post-election violence.
Speaking on Thursday, Kindiki revealed that the looting, the distraction, the killings, and the chaos that were witnessed were shameful to watch, and if not controlled, they would lead the country into anarchy.
“I want to tell you that what we witnessed yesterday was the most violent and anarchic day in the history of our Country since the 2007/08 post-election violence. It was shameful. The loss of lives, destruction of public and private property, wanton looting, and destruction of private businesses were unprecedented,” Kindiki said.
The DP took the opportunity to assure Kenyans that as long as he is the country's DP, he and President William Ruto will not allow what happened on Wednesday to recur.
“On behalf of President Ruto, I want to assure you that we will not allow what happened yesterday to be repeated ever. We cannot allow our Country to slide into anarchy, lawlessness, and chaos. We will do whatever it takes to protect our Country from sliding into anarchy,” he continued.
Kindiki criticised certain religious leaders and diplomats whom he accused of encouraging young people to exercise their rights without responsibility.
“There are churches and religious organisations that advised the youth to act responsibly, but others incited them. Is what we witnessed yesterday the kind of rights they were telling the young people to exercise?” Kindiki said in a strongly worded statement.
The DP extended the same criticism to foreign envoys and political leaders, questioning whether their public endorsement of the protests was meant to provoke unrest.
Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding constitutional freedoms.
“We will not interfere with the freedom of opinion, expression, or the media. But we will not allow anyone to descend on our country into mayhem,” Kindiki reaffirmed.
Kindiki, who once served as the country's Interior CS, revealed that police stations were burnt and guns and ammunition stolen, confirming that there were other hidden and ulterior intentions greater than what many people thought.
His remarks come at a time when the country is facing a growing concern about the call for accountability in police brutality.
