Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday, July 30, told Azimio la Umoja leaders that their security will be restored after three months.
Speaking during his visit to Alliance High School, the second in command explained that the officers were withdrawn to reinforce their colleagues deployed to protect property and individuals during the then-planned Azimio protests.
Gachagua added that the three-month window was in place to monitor Azimio's activities to ensure no return to the streets.
"Police officers were withdrawn from Azimio leaders because we needed more officers to deal with the protests. Those police officers will be on standby for the next three months until Azimio assures Kenyans there will be no more demonstrations.
"We did not have sufficient officers to deal with demos for three days. Your officers will be returned to you after three months when we are sure there are no demos," stated Gachagua.
The DP was responding to Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko who noted that his security had also been withdrawn alongside that of Azimio leaders.
The governor, who was part of the guests at the school, argued that whereas his county was pro-demonstrations, he was opposed to violence but his security had been withdrawn one evening regardless.
"As these things (maandamano) were going on, I went to my home one night at 8 0'Clock, and all my security was withdrawn including personal protection. Let us have discussions that do not create more victims than necessary. Let us have discussions that create healing and one nation for all of us," stated Ayacko.
On Monday, July 17, two days before Wednesday protests were scheduled to take place, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's security and that of his Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka were taken away.
At the time, the opposition believed that the move was a political witchhunt aimed at deterring the Azimio la Umoja Coalition from staging mass demonstrations.
Can't Tolerate Violence
Gachagua's statement came just hours after President William Ruto insisted that a recent agreement between the two camps would be possible if Azimio calls off its protests.
The Head of State, who was speaking at Ukunda Showground in Kwale County, insisted that his administration will not tolerate violence.
"I am obligated to make sure every Kenyan, whether they supported my policy or not, is safe and their properties are guaranteed. Moving forward, our politics will be devoid of violence," he stated.
On July 25, Interior PS Raymond Omollo revealed that a total of 305 law enforcement officers seriously injured while one lost his life during protests that took place since March.
"The National Police Service also lost 158 vehicles and 9 police stations, which were either burnt down or severely damaged by criminals masquerading as protesters.
"More than 850 shops and other business premises were also broken into and looted while 199 buildings were destroyed and various public utilities worth billions of shillings vandalized," read the statement in part.
