Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has called for the identification, apprehension and conviction of all those who facilitated or were involved in the destruction of property during demonstrations.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 8, the lawmaker claimed that the facilitators of violence in the demonstrations should be charged with domestic terrorism for economic sabotage, coup, anarchy, and lawlessness.
In Kenya, according to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, anyone convicted of a terrorist act could face a prison sentence of up to 30 years, or even life imprisonment if the act results in death.
"All these planners, executors, financiers, and perpetrators must be arrested and charged with domestic terrorism for economic sabotage, coup, anarchy, and lawlessness," the Senator said.
On Monday, the government brought terrorism charges against Peter Kinyanjui and Serah Wanjiku Thiga, who are allies of the former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua. They are accused of setting fire to the Kikuyu Law Courts on Wednesday, 25 June.
During yesterday's Sabasaba demonstrations, the National Police Service (NPS), in a statement on Monday, July 7, confirmed that at least 11 people had lost their lives, while 63 individuals, both police and civilians, sustained injuries.
According to NPS, despite the protests in most parts of the country being peaceful, they were infiltrated by criminals whose intention was to cause anarchy.
The police added that the act of lawlessness during the protests was marked by attacks on law enforcement officers and looting of private and government-owned property.
A total of 567 people were arrested during the protests across the country, according to NPS, while seven government and privately owned vehicles were damaged.
"We encourage anyone with information about individuals involved in criminal activities who are still at large to come forward and share that information by reporting to the nearest police station or contact us via our toll-free numbers," read the statement from the NPS.
On the other hand, Cherargei took a swipe at the Judiciary, claiming that the arm of government is one of the key reasons why recurrent demonstrations are happening in the country.
According to the senator, the Judiciary should execute its mandate as stipulated in the Constitution, without leaning on one side, to prevent the country from sinking into anarchy and lawlessness.
"The weak link in this fight is the Judiciary. The Judiciary must stop judicial activism, save the country from sliding into anarchy and lawlessness," the senator said.
