Kindiki’s Move: Early Police Deployment to Thwart Raila
On Monday, July 24, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki issued a stern warning to those planning destructive demonstrations on Wednesday, July 26.
The CS emphasized that the police deployment from the previous week was merely a warm-up for the forthcoming demonstrations.
“Two Wednesdays ago, we wished to determine whether Kenyans are capable of conducting peaceful protests. Three hours later, however, a great deal of harm had been done in various parts of the nation, and by the time police were deployed, it was too late.
“That was a week ago. We decided not to commit the same crimes as the same perpetrators. We will maintain our resolve,” he said.
As opposed to the previous week, Kindiki informed the public that police will be deployed at 1 a.m. to deal with protestors causing disorder in the early morning.
“I’ve heard that they’ve threatened to go on a rampage of plundering on Wednesday. We are prepared for your arrival. We will deploy officers at 1 a.m. to ensure that no agitator gains the upper hand,” Kindiki disclosed.
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The CS added that no one, regardless of rank, will be spared. Kindiki urged the protesters to remain peaceful and refrain from destruction, as those found culpable will face the full force of the law.
In addition, Kindiki reassured Kenyans of their safety despite the ongoing anti-government demonstrations and added that the police will ensure their safety.
During previous demonstrations, Kisii County protesters blocked roads as early as 5:00 a.m., impeding traffic. At Daraja Mbili, the demonstrators barricaded a portion of the Sirare-Kisii Highway.
A portion of demonstrators in other regions also wreaked havoc by committing acts of looting and property destruction. In Kisumu, residents were observed stealing from a local supermarket and fleeing with unknown quantities of merchandise.
Politicians, religious leaders, and foreign nations condemned the incidents, contending that the behavior was detrimental to a developing nation’s economy.
To restore calm in the country, President William Ruto called for dialogue with opposition leader Raila Odinga on Saturday, July 15.
“We must have a frank national discussion about the demonstrations, particularly regarding what constitutes a demonstration. Ruto stated that we cannot use demonstrations as an excuse to harm the public and private property of Kenyan citizens.
Kindiki’s Move: Early Police Deployment to Thwart Raila