President William Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, has come out strongly accusing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of inciting the recent protests in Nairobi city. The protests, which took place on Thursday, were initially organized to demand justice for the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang, but they quickly escalated into chaos, with police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters.
Kibet’s comments, made during a fundraiser in Uasin Gishu County on Saturday, targeted Gachagua’s alleged role in supporting the unrest. The protests, which began peacefully, soon spiraled out of control, with property destroyed and two vehicles set on fire.
Kibet’s Accusations Against Gachagua
“The tribalist has announced a roadmap. The other day, he started with burning cars in Nairobi. He went ahead to say there is a holiday on the 25th to burn Nairobi. Will they burn Kenya while we watch? Which protesters are allowed to burn the city?” Kibet said, accusing the former DP of instigating the violent demonstrations.
He called on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to take immediate action to "safeguard" the city against further destruction. Kibet’s statement added fuel to the ongoing political tension, as he reiterated his stance on the need to protect the capital from what he termed “political violence.”
Governor Sakaja Responds to Calls for Action
In response to Kibet's remarks, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja took a firm stand, promising that the individuals responsible for damaging public property during the protests would be arrested.
Sakaja assured that thorough investigations would be carried out, and anyone found guilty would face prosecution. He also emphasized that while the constitution allows for peaceful demonstrations, violence and the destruction of property were unacceptable.
“Those who destroyed public property in Nairobi will be arrested. The law will take its course, and justice will be served. We cannot allow Nairobi to be turned into a warzone,” Governor Sakaja stated, stressing the importance of law and order in maintaining peace in the city.
The governor also called on politicians to desist from divisive rhetoric and to encourage peaceful forms of protest rather than inflaming tensions in the country.
The Murder of Albert Ojwang and Ongoing Investigations
The protests had been triggered by the tragic murder of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody on Sunday. Ojwang had been arrested by officers at Central Police Station, and his subsequent death has sparked public outrage. His supporters, along with civil rights groups, have called for accountability in his killing.
Investigations into Ojwang’s death are ongoing, with police officers at Central Police Station being held accountable. Among those arrested are OCS Samson Talaam and Sergeant James Mukhwana. The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) is also involved in the investigations, and the government has pledged to ensure a transparent and fair inquiry into the matter.
As tensions rise, many are calling for calm and a commitment to peace, while others demand justice for the life of Albert Ojwang.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment