election 2017: State House: Police will not spare violent protestors

State house spokes person Manoah Esipisu addresses the media at Kisumu State lodge on April 17,2017 ahead of presidential visit to the region to officiate state concert. (Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard)

State House has said police will do everything within their powers to restore law and order disrupted by post-election protests.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s spokesman, Manoah Esipisu, said police would not spare anyone involved in destruction of property and endangering other people’s lives in the course of street protests triggered by Friday’s declaration of President Uhuru Kenyatta as the winner of the August 8 polls.

Mr Esipisu however said police were ready to offer security for peaceful demonstrations as spelt out in the Constitution.

VIOLENT UNREST

Since the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced Uhuru as the winner of the polls, perceived political strongholds affiliated to the Opposition’s National Super Alliance, among them Siaya, Kisumu, and parts of Nairobi, have witnessed violent unrest.

Although the constitution allows peaceful demonstrations, Esipisu said the protests had been violent, leading to destruction of property and endangering lives.

“The violent protests are unlawful, so let me be perfectly clear here; police will not tolerate breaches of the peace, instead, they will protect the lives and property of Kenyans; they will restore law and order,” said Esipisu.

Esipisu accused some leaders of inciting the youth into violence. He warned the youth that such leaders would not be there to face the consequences when the law catches up with them.

“Do not let yourself be a pawn in someone else’s game; let the Constitution decide any disputes that remain,” Esipisu said.

Deputy President William Ruto also weighed in on calls for peace, saying the incoming government would serve all Kenyans.

FORGE AHEAD

The Deputy President said all elections had winners and losers and Kenyans should forge ahead as a united nation.

Mr Ruto said President Uhuru Kenyatta and all elected leaders would serve Kenyans equally and fairly irrespective of their political affiliation.

Ruto said he was proud that this year’s election was more issue-based and and less ethnic compared to previous years.

“This election was a lot more issue-based than any other I have ever participated in. Political formations were less ethnic, we had the face of Kenya in both Jubilee and the National Supper Alliance (NASA)” he said.

He added: “More issues were canvassed than in any other election. I can say our country is maturing.”

Speaking in Faith Evangelistic Ministry in Karen, the Deputy President-elect said Kenyans voted for leaders of their choice.

“It does not matter how you voted. It does not matter who you voted for. We are all winners,” he said.

Ruto attributed Jubilee’s victory to prayers and urged Kenyans to continue praying for leaders to do the will of God.

Ruto said it was miraculous that Jubilee won the elections in 2013, won cases at The Hague, attained remarkable achievements in four-and-a-half years and still won the 2017 elections.

Ruto was accompanied by MPs elect John Kiarie (Dagoreti South), Nixon Korir (Langata), Stanley Muthama (Lamu West) and Mercy Gakuya (Kasarani).

At the same time, State House yesterday outlined Uhuru’s 5-year plan that prioritises creating job opportunities to 6.5 million youth and social protection.

“The President has also committed to ensuring our elderly live dignified lives in their sunset years, and that our mothers and sisters have an expanded post-natal healthcare,” said Esipisu.

INCLUSIVE PLAN

He said Uhuru’s five-year plan would be inclusive and all youths would feel the impact of the country’s progress.

According to Esipisu, Uhuru’s first term had witnessed a lot of milestones in health, agriculture, and electricity connections where an extra three million Kenyan households had been connected to the national grid.

“We have seen record investment in roads and in the Madaraka Express, connecting Kenyans to one another,” said Esipisu.

He urged Kenyans to build the nation instead of engaging in destruction.

“We remain one nation, under God, united by the unity of purpose,” he said.