Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki on Monday, July 10, issued fresh directives ahead of mass protests planned for Wednesday, July 13.
The CS noted that he was aware that the opposition was planning to hold protests and while he would allow that, it was a conditional approval.
As a result, Kindiki noted that he directed his security officers to deal swiftly and decisively with individuals who would disturb public peace during the protests.
“I have heard people remarking on what they will do on Wednesday. We will not allow the closing of highways or the destruction of property. You can start your demonstrations at six in the morning and in the evening go home,” he directed.
The CS made the remarks while in Meru County where he oversaw the installation of the first Deputy County Commissioner, Zuhura Mambo, and the commissioning of the Igoji Sub-County Headquarters.
Kindiki regretted that the Friday, July 7, demonstration had led to the loss of six lives and vowed that it would not happen again on Wednesday.
“I want to assure you that we will never accept on our Kenyan soil protests that lead to loss of lives and property,” he vowed.
Kindiki stated that protestors who will threaten law-abiding citizens with violence, hooliganism, destruction of property and disruption of peace would be treated as bandits and terrorists.
He revealed that he had already instructed all police officers to identify inciters heading to the Wednesday protests and arrest them.
Giving a nod for the demonstrations to go ahead, Kindiki noted that it was within the rights of the opposition to demonstrate against the high cost of living.
On Monday, July 7, Azimio Leader Raila Odinga stated that the opposition would continue its civil disobedience against President William Ruto’s government.
The former prime minister noted that the opposition was demonstrating against; the Finance Act 2023, constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, electoral justice and the government’s disrespect for multi-party democracy.
During the operationalisation of the Igoji Sub County Headquarters, Kindiki noted that it was part of Ruto's promise to make sure all sub-counties that were gazetted by the former administration became operational.
"The DCC will start working today from 2:30 PM. We have also brought all heads of department needed to make the office operational," he stated.
