Kenyan Government Seeks Foreign Support in Sanctioning Raila
Tuesday, March 22nd, after months of speculation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pleaded with foreign embassies for assistance in sanctioning leaders who may commit crimes under the guise of protesting.
In a statement to Diplomatic Missions and United Nations Agencies in Nairobi, the Ministry accused Raila Odinga, the leader of the party Azimio La Umoja, of committing atrocities through demonstrations and mobilizing his supporters to circumvent the law.
Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, urged the international community to remain vigilant and support government efforts to contain the unrest.
Consistent with the importance of holding accountable those responsible for any crimes that may be committed under the guise of protests and ensuring that impunity is not encouraged, we must ensure that no impunity is tolerated.
Addressed to all Diplomatic Missions, United Nations Agencies, and International Organizations based in Kenya, the statement stated in part, “The Government urges the international community to be vigilant in supporting the sanctioning of any conduct adverse to the peace and security of the country.”
The Ministry defended police officers who were accused of using excessive force to subdue protestors. The ministry of Mutua explained that security officers were required to prevent access to the Central Business District (CBD) and State House by demonstrators.
ALSO READ: Malala to Sue ODM Over Protests: UDA Sec Gen Vows
“This was done due to the egregious and highly provocative nature of the demonstration, as well as the failure of the organizers to notify the police with specific information about the demonstration,” the Ministry explained.
The opposition deemed the tone of the letter to foreign embassies and organizations to be undiplomatic. The letter described Raila as demonstrative.
“The protests and property destruction are a continuation of Raila Odinga’s well-known modus operandi, which he has used since 1997 to force extra-constitutional political settlements for his self-promotion.”
Edwin Sifuna, secretary general of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), dismissed the letter as informal.
“Is this letter from a government ministry or the local United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chapter?
Sifuna remarked, “Instead of reporting the opposition to foreign powers, the government should focus on lowering the cost of living.”
Samson Cherargei, a senator from Nandi, demanded the removal of Raila’s perks and privileges in February 2023, accusing him of undermining the Kenya Kwanza regime.
“Next, the privileges of the former prime minister’s office, such as cars, security, and office, will be stripped away,” he threatened.
ALSO READ: IG Koome: Azimio Protesters Violent Towards ‘Respectful’ Officers
Kenya Kwanza Members of Parliament (MPs) demanded the arrest of Raila and his handshake brother, President (Rtd.) Uhuru Kenyatta, following opposition-led protests on March 20. Kimani Ichung’wah, a Kikuyu representative, accused the duo of causing chaos and urban banditry.
“We request that the IG of Police arrest more than just the young boys who are paid to riot. If the buck stops at Odinga’s door, choose Odinga. If the buck stops at the door of his sponsor, go after them “Kimani Ichung’wah’s statement read.
Raila responded by calling for protests every Thursday and Monday until the government complies with opposition demands. Among them was the opening of the servers of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to determine the winner of the election, the reconstitution of the Commission, and a reduction in the cost of living.
HEY READER. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS SITE BY CLICKING ADS. DON’T FORGET TO HIT THE NOTIFICATION BELL FOR MORE UPDATES AROUND THE GLOBE.
