Anti-gov’t protests that began peacefully in expression of the fundamental right to the freedom of assembly, demonstration, picketing and petitioning of public authorities were hijacked by a group of organised criminals, this is according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 9 evening, CS Kindiki said that the organised criminals would then terrorize the public, rob the demonstrators and attempt to burn down Parliament as well as vandalise the office of the Chief Justice.
As a responsible government, CS Kindiki reiterates that the Kenya Kwanza Administration had to take stern action in order to protect the rights of other Kenyans and public property.
“To avoid repeat behaviour of impunity, the organisers, planners and financiers of the crimes that were committed against the people of Kenya in the pretext of peaceful demonstrations will be prosecuted once the ongoing investigations are completed,” CS Kindiki says in the statement shared to newsrooms.
Likewise, CS Kindiki says that action will be taken against law enforcement officers who will be found culpable of any infractions or excesses in the handling of anti-gov’t protests.
Kindiki says that the government has noted, with concerns, claims of abductions and enforced disappearances allegedly perpetrated by police officers.
“All persons within the territory of Kenya are protected from unlawful or arbitrary arrests, abductions, enforced disappearances or any other illegal method of confining suspected criminals for purposes of investigations for prosecution or for whatever purpose whatsoever.”
Kindiki further says that the government will respect and ensure the protection of all constitutionally guaranteed rights and will not condone any violation whether perpetuated by security personnel or by public or private persons.
“Independent Constitutional and statutory agencies will investigate and prosecute any person or official who may be implicated with violating the Constitution by perpetrating confinement of any person outside the law.”
