Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called for dialogue between the opposition and the government to resolve the recurrent demonstrations that have been happening across the country.
On Monday, June 7, in Lamu, Kindiki said that working out solutions and talking with the other side, who have recently been fighting over who will win Kenyans' support, are key to restoring peace and political harmony in the country.
The DP, who strongly castigated individuals whom he claims are facilitating the recurrent demonstrations, stated that the government will be at the vanguard in ensuring that no more destruction of public and government-owned property will happen during demonstrations.
Kindiki warned that facilitating and inciting the public to go for chaotic demonstrations will be the first step in undermining the solid economic and political progress the country has achieved over the years.
“There are some people who are planning violence and demonstrations, but I would like to say that everyone in Kenya especially the leaders, should come together and find a way to find solutions to the problems that the country is currently experiencing,” Kindiki said.
“We will not allow the destruction of our country through violence endangering the lives of Kenyans. I plead with you, fellow Kenyans, we cannot build this country through chaos incitement and violence; we must learn to resolve our problems through consultation, discussions and other peaceful means,” he added.
Additionally, the deputy commander-in-chief stressed that despite Kenyans having a right to express their grievances to the state through demonstrations, they should always refrain from violence and destruction of property as they do so.
“For those Kenyans who have different views, they have the right to oppose, but they should do it the right way and peacefully as per the constitution. I know that you all agree with me that there is nothing more valuable in a country than peace and security," Kindiki said.
Kindiki's statement comes at a time when the country's political temperature is rapidly accelerating. Today, protests have ensued in different parts of the country to commemorate Saba Saba Day and pressure President William Ruto to listen to the grievances of Kenyans.
Saba Saba Day commemorates the nationwide protests of 1990 that demanded multiparty democracy and an end to the authoritarian rule of President Daniel Arap Moi.
Security agencies across the country have been deployed, and despite attempts to block major roads leading in and out of towns, youths came out in large numbers and in turn collided with police manning roadblocks in towns such as Kangemi, Ngong, Kitengela, and Kisii, leading to injuries and loss of lives.
According to the report, two people have been confirmed dead in Kangemi and two more in Ngong following the protests.
According to medics, ambulances have been unable to reach injured people in the towns due to the erected barricades, putting more lives at risk.
