Deputy President Slams Human Rights Groups Over Protest Claims
Human rights organizations and opposition leaders have been criticized by Vice President Rigathi Gachagua for their claims of police excesses during the protests that shook the country two weeks ago.
Gachagua has criticized human rights activists and opposition leaders for failing to condemn protesters who injured and assaulted law enforcement officers.
The Vice President noted in a statement that at least one officer was slain and 305 others were injured during the violent protests.
In response to the opposition’s insistence on continuing protests, Gachagua stated that the government is taking precautions to ensure no lives are lost and no property is damaged.
“I want our leaders to understand that police officers are also people, parents, spouses, and siblings. I have heard human rights organizations criticize the police. Several police officers have been injured, and others are hospitalized. Gachagua remarked that not a single opposition leader or organization has spoken out against assaulting or injuring police officers.
At an event at Alliance High School, the Vice President spoke alongside other leaders, including members of the governing and opposition parties.
Some demonstrators, according to Gachagua, were armed with weapons and stones, which they used to attack others and damage property.
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“The pandemonium and mayhem that occurred in Nairobi for five hours on Wednesday, almost igniting the country and bringing everything to a halt, had to be addressed. The government must withdraw officers from protest organizers to protect other Kenyans. “The officers will not return until the chaos ceases,” Gachagua said.
“I would like to commend the National Police Service, under the leadership of Inspector-General Japheth Koome and the strategic direction of Cabinet Secretary for Interior Prof Kithure Kindiki, for the professional manner in which they handled this unfortunate situation,” I said.
While the two factions have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, extremists on both sides have escalated their assaults, jeopardizing the mediation efforts.
Already, Azimio and Kenya Kwanza’s statements enumerated a variety of topics to be discussed in the negotiations, raising questions about agreed-upon matters.
Azimio disowned the list of issues on Sunday, maintaining that confronting the cost of living is still the most important issue for the government to address.
Deputy President Slams Human Rights Groups Over Protest Claims
