Editor's Review

"I have heard that there are planning on how they will protest on Wednesday, let's meet in the morning. This country does not belong to you alone."

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has warned the Azimio la Umoja coalition against causing mayhem during the anti-government protests scheduled on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.  

Speaking on Monday, July 10 in Igoji, Meru County, CS Kindiki stated that the government will deal with Azimio in finality if they try to disrupt businesses on Wednesday.

“We will not tolerate protests that disrupt businesses and cause deaths in Kenya. I have heard that they are planning to protest on Wednesday, let's meet in the morning. This country does not belong to you alone. 

 “Those extreme ideas that when you disagree with a political issue you cause mayhem, you hurt people, you close businesses, you close highways, you uproot facilities, that culture must stop and we are going to deal with you very firmly decisively and with finality, don’t try,” said Kindiki.

The Interior CS however told the opposition that they can hold their protest rallies in open grounds from 6 am to 6 pm.

“If you want to have a meeting, go to an open field and discuss your issues. When it reaches six o'clock, you go home. The public order says you have the right to protest from 6 am to 6 pm,” Kindiki added.

File image of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki. 

Kindiki further stated that six people lost their lives during the Saba Saba protests on Friday last week and police officers were also injured while trying to manage the demos.

“On Friday there were demonstrations and we lost six people. Police Officers were also injured by stones and blunt objects that were thrown at them by the protestors,” Kindiki stated.

His remarks come days after Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga announced that the anti-government demonstrations will continue on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.