UDA condemns protest violence, defends government's response

United Democratic Alliance Secretary General Hassan Umar at a past event. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has condemned the violence witnessed during the June 25 protests, accusing certain individuals, sections of the media, and segments of civil society of inciting unrest under the guise of promoting human rights.

In a statement issued by Secretary-General Senator Hassan Omar Hassan, the ruling party reaffirmed the constitutional right of Kenyans to peaceful assembly and protest as protected under Chapter Four of the Constitution.

However, the party insisted that such rights must not be used to pursue unconstitutional ends or justify lawlessness.

"The violence witnessed, including the destruction of public infrastructure, looting, arson, and even incidents of sexual violence, marks a disturbing low in Kenya's protest history," the statement read.

"This cannot and will not be tolerated under the veil of human rights activism or Gen Z-led agitation."

The party alleged that the protests were the culmination of "deliberate and serial incitement" by unnamed individuals and some mainstream media outlets, which it accused of promoting divisive narratives.

UDA linked the chaos to what it termed a broader effort by political oligarchs and their media allies to sabotage Ruto's reform agenda and undermine his administration's inclusive development plan.

Citing recent developments, the statement defended the Kenya Kwanza administration's commitment to bridging historical inequities and ensuring that no region or community is left behind.

"This is not a debate. It is the new reality of our broad-based government," said Omar.

The UDA also reiterated its support for the ongoing collaboration between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, describing it as a "national project" to rectify decades of marginalization.

The party singled out media owners, who it claims opposed Ruto's presidential bid, for continuing to "vilify" the administration and its allies.

While defending the police response to the protests, the UDA commended security officers for exercising restraint and maintaining public order in the face of what it called "violent and opportunistic mobs."

It acknowledged reports of injured officers and expressed solidarity with victims of the chaos.

"Everything possible will be done to bring to justice the organizers and financiers of the violence," the statement declared.