Act Now or Resign, Senior Security Officers Warned

A human rights activist based in Eldoret has strongly condemned the violent incidents witnessed during the recent demonstrations over rising fuel prices, warning that the country risks descending into chaos if the government fails to take immediate and decisive action against criminal elements exploiting public protests.

Speaking on behalf of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy Eldoret, activist Kipkorir Ngetich said the violent scenes witnessed in several towns were not genuine demonstrations but organised criminal activities carried out under the cover of constitutional freedoms.

Ngetich stated that while the Constitution of Kenya guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of assembly, association, and peaceful protest, what transpired during the protests was far from lawful expression of grievances.

“The Constitution is very clear that citizens have the right to demonstrate peacefully and unarmed, but what we witnessed today was not peaceful protests. It was looting, destruction of property, intimidation of innocent citizens, and total lawlessness,” he said.

The activist accused criminal groups of hijacking demonstrations to advance illegal activities, saying businesses were vandalised, vehicles destroyed, and innocent wananchi subjected to fear and uncertainty.

“We cannot afford to live in a country where criminals run our streets, terrorise innocent citizens, destroy property, and paralyse economic activities in the name of demonstrations,” he added.

According to Ngetich, the ongoing fuel crisis affecting Kenyans should not be manipulated by politicians or criminal networks seeking to destabilise the country. He noted that the rise in fuel prices is not unique to Kenya but part of a broader global economic challenge affecting many nations across the world.

“The fuel crisis is a global phenomenon and not a Kenyan-manufactured problem. Every piece of information concerning fuel pricing is available to the public. This issue should not be weaponised to create instability and chaos in the country,” he said.

Ngetich warned that continued violence during protests could further damage the already struggling economy, scare away investors, and deepen the hardships being experienced by ordinary Kenyans.

He called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to explain how widespread destruction and attacks on citizens occurred despite the existence of national security structures.

“We are warning the Interior Minister and the Inspector General of Police that this country cannot continue operating in this manner where members of the public are attacked, vehicles are burnt, security vehicles destroyed, and criminals roam freely while the government watches,” he stated.

The activist questioned the effectiveness of the country’s security systems, arguing that Kenya has invested heavily in law enforcement and intelligence gathering yet criminal gangs still appeared capable of paralysing towns during demonstrations.

“It is unacceptable that we have well-established security systems but criminals are still able to infiltrate demonstrations, loot businesses, attack people, and destroy property with such confidence,” he said.

Ngetich further questioned the logic of deploying Kenyan security personnel to international peacekeeping missions while insecurity and criminality continue to threaten ordinary citizens within the country.

“What is the business of sending our men and women in uniform to respond to crises outside the country while criminals are ruling our streets here at home?” he posed.

He claimed there was a possibility that organised criminal groups were coordinating violence during demonstrations in an attempt to undermine the government and create political instability.

“It is possible that these criminal activities are organised in the name of demonstrations with the intention of destabilising the government and plunging the country into disorder,” he claimed.

The activist urged security agencies to move swiftly and firmly against those responsible for violence and destruction, insisting that the law gives the government adequate authority to deal with criminals without violating constitutional rights.

“The law gives the government the power and authority to take legal and firm action against criminals. Rights and freedoms should never be abused as shields for criminality, violence, and incitement,” he said.

Ngetich warned that failure by the government to act decisively could embolden criminals and push the country toward prolonged instability.

“Kenya is slowly reaching a dangerous point where democracy and freedoms are being misused to encourage lawlessness. This must stop before the country plunges into full-blown chaos,” he warned.

He maintained that democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression must always go hand in hand with responsibility and accountability.

“Democracy and freedoms come with greater responsibility. No society can survive where rights are exercised without accountability,” he said.

The activist also accused the government of ignoring warning signs allegedly indicating that opposition groups were planning sustained nationwide unrest.

“It is unfortunate that the government is failing to read the signs. What we are witnessing today could merely be a rehearsal of more chaos to come if immediate action is not taken,” he stated.

Ngetich called on the government to “crack the whip now, not tomorrow,” saying national stability requires decisive leadership and strong enforcement of the law rather than endless political rhetoric.

“Securing the stability of the country does not require lectures and speeches alone. It requires firm and decisive action from those entrusted with protecting the nation,” he added.

At the same time, he appealed to Kenyans to remain peaceful and avoid participating in acts of violence despite the harsh economic conditions facing many households.

“We understand the suffering and hardships Kenyans are going through, but citizens should not allow themselves to be used to cause chaos and destruction in the country,” he said.

Ngetich concluded by saying senior security officials must take full responsibility for the prevailing situation and act immediately to restore public confidence.

“Those bestowed with the noble responsibility of securing this country must act now or resign. Kenyans deserve safety, order, and stability,” he concluded.