Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday, April 3, revealed that the government would still deploy police officers in certain areas of the country.
The DP stated that this was in line with earlier preparations before Azimio Leader Raila Odinga called off planned protests.
Gachagua was uncertain that there would be total calm in the country despite Raila stating on Sunday, April 2, that the protests had been suspended for at least a week.
“Aware that hooligans who were set to take advantage of the chaos to loot and steal could still be prepared to continue, our security officers are vigilant and on full alert,” the DP stated the need for the deployment.
Gachagua though moved to quell fears of riots assuring Kenyans that the police would provide enough security.
“With the calling off of the demonstrations and violence, I urge all Kenyans to go back to work and resume their businesses with vigour and alacrity,” he added.
Gachagua further warned Kenyans who cause chaos in subsequent protests.
“All lawbreakers will be swiftly apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law. I am happy our economy which had started showing signs of recovery is now back on track,” he warned.
In an earlier statement on Sunday, April 2, the DP congratulated Raila Odinga for calling off the demonstrations.
“I salute Raila Odinga for calling off demonstrations and violence and choosing to pursue his issues in Parliament in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Kenya. That is statesmanship,” his statement read in part.
The statement from Gachagua came one day after he gave an ultimatum to Azimio to drop protests or face the full wrath of the government.
"I want to caution those young men who have been taking advantage of the violence to steal property, to mug people to loot property, Monday is your last day to do so.
"If they care, look at the penal code. The consequences are extremely heavy,” the DP warned.
While calling off the protests, Raila revealed that one of the conditions was to drop all cases related to the demonstrations.
“In accepting the call for dialogue, we ask that all arrests and prosecutions related to our demonstrations be stopped with immediate effect,” the Azimio leader demanded.
Raila further added that at no particular time did Azimio’s top leadership advocate for the destruction of property.
