Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issued a stern warning on Tuesday to criminal gangs masquerading as peaceful protestors with intentions of marauding public and private property.
In a statement, CS Kindiki emphasized that security agencies are on high alert to intercept and thwart any attempts to harm the public or attack critical infrastructure. He revealed that the government has commenced investigations into the alleged destruction of property by goons and assured that action would be taken against those found culpable.
“Upon completion of the ongoing evidential analysis, the planners, executors, and financiers of large-scale arson and violent robberies will be brought to book,” said Kindiki.
Kindiki disclosed that the government had received a tip-off about a potential recurrence of the chaotic incidents witnessed on July 2. “The organizers of today’s orgy of violence in parts of Nairobi, Mombasa, and several other parts of the country are reportedly planning to repeat their anarchic chaos and cruel plunder on Thursday and Sunday this week,” CS Kindiki noted. “This reign of terror against the people of Kenya and the impunity of dangerous criminal gangs must end at whatever cost,” he warned.
Additionally, police officers were urged to act professionally, especially when dealing with extremely provocative situations that could arise during violent protests. CS Kindiki assured that any claims of unlawful conduct by law enforcement officers would be investigated and appropriate action taken.
“The government commends all law enforcement officers who continue to discharge their challenging mandate of preventing crime and protecting lives and property,” remarked CS Kindiki.
The CS’s stern warning comes amidst chaotic protests witnessed on July 2, which saw several properties destroyed and people arrested. In Nairobi, tensions escalated after protestors blocked major highways leading to the city’s Central Business District, forcing police officers to call for reinforcement.
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