John AdoyiKenya’s government has warned against violence as the citizens resume protests across the country.
The country’s Ministry of Interior has issued a stern warning that any criminal act will be met with force.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis announcement came as protests in some regions turned chaotic, with incidents of injuries and destruction of properties resulting from clashes between security forces and protesters. The country’s The-Star Newspaper reported that three people, including a journalist, were reportedly shot during anti-government protests in Nakuru, one of the 47 counties in the East African country. Another local media reported that one person has been killed in Kitengela.
The protesters are calling for the resignation of President Wiiliam Ruto who assumed office in 2022. Protesters were seen chanting “Ruto is going home.”
Protests resumed across the country despite the withdrawal of the Finance Bill that started it and other measures taken by President Ruto to soften the economic hardship the citizens are experiencing.
The Kenyan government reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the sanctity of human life.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, the Interior Ministry expressed regret that what began as peaceful demonstrations had been highjacked by criminal elements, resulting in property damage and loss of lives.
“While the police are guided by the National Police Service Act, which prohibits the use of excessive force, Section 49 of the Act allows security officers to use force when necessary and to the extent required in the execution of their duties,” the Ministry stated.
The Ministry emphasised that security agencies are instructed to exercise restraint during peaceful demonstrations but will not hesitate to use force in response to criminal activities to ensure public safety.
“The police can indeed be compelled to use reasonable force when isolated and specific scenarios of protests escalate to criminalities including rioting, looting and burning of properties, disruption of traffic through the erection of roadblocks on major highways and invasion of critical and protected infrastructure,” the statement read.
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The Interior Ministry also disclosed that additional security personnel have been deployed in hotspots and areas with critical infrastructure. It urged business and private building owners to coooperate with local police for orderly security management.
“Criminals masquerading as peaceful protesters will be dealt with firmly, in strict adherence to the law,” the Ministry warned. “All arrests made are subject to the Criminal Procedure Code, which outlines the process for arrests, detention, and trial of suspects. Anyone aggrieved by police actions is encouraged to seek redress through the established criminal justice system, including the courts,” the Ministry added.
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