Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has blamed opposition leader Raila Odinga for the violence and mass destruction of property that rocked different parts of the country on Wednesday, July 12 during the anti-government protests.
Through a statement, the CS noted that anyone who took part in mass destruction of property, violence and looting during the protests will face the law.
“All those who took part, directly or indirectly, in today’s well-orchestrated violation of public safety and security of our nation shall be punished.” Reads part of the press statement.
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Moreover, CS Kindiki while pointing out the 1982 attempted coup-de tat, and the 2007 and 2017 post-election violence, accused the former Prime Minister of causing political instability in the country.
He further slammed the Azimio brigade of lying to the police that they would hold a peaceful political rally at the Kamukunji Grounds only to unleash terror on innocent Kenyans.
However, the CS announced that investigations are underway and those who aided and committed crimes during the protests which led to the destruction of property worth millions and both civilians and police officers grievously injured will be arrested and prosecuted.
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Nonetheless, Odinga cancelled the Kamukunji rally claiming he got intelligence that the meeting was to be infiltrated by criminals.
At least seven people died in separate incidents across the country with protesters engaging the police in running battles.
In addition, demonstrators looted businesses, including two supermarkets in Kitengela, within Kajiado County. Still in Kitengela, rowdy youths burned the office of the Deputy County Commissioner.
Furthermore, most businessowners closed shop a better part of the day in anticipation of the demos.
Odinga maintained that President William Ruto must repeal the controversial Finance Act 2023.
In addition, the ODM leader wants Ruto to adopt a bipartisan approach to reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
