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Just a day after anti-government protests halted business operations in different parts of the country, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has announced a new ‘shift system’ to ensure ‘inclusivity’.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Sifuna said the Azimio la Umoja Coalition had received communication that some Kenyans were unable to take part in the demos on Mondays and requested an alternative day when they were free.
He added that starting next week, the protests will be held for three consecutive days until the government listens to the cries of the people.
"We have received communication from some Kenyans who are saying that we scheduled maandamano on a day they were unable to attend. We are introducing shifts so that if you're free on Monday, join us and allow others to demonstrate on Tuesday and the same applies for Wednesday every week.
"The end game is that we have used all the language we know, tried persuasion, and mediation by committing ourselves to dialogue with the government but they refused to listen. They introduced a bill which the majority of Kenyans opposed but they went ahead and passed it. Therefore, what we are saying is that until you listen to the people, we will soldier on," he stated.
Elsewhere, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki strongly condemned the protests, pointing an accusing finger at ODM leader Raila Odinga for orchestrating the chaos.
He warned all those involved that the long arm of the law would catch up with them and they will be punished accordingly.
“This culture of impunity will stop. All those who took part directly or indirectly in today’s well-orchestrated violation of public safety and security of our nation shall be punished.
“The Government has mobilized all the law enforcement agencies of the State and the institutions of our country’s criminal justice system to conclude investigations urgently and proceed to the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the planning and execution of the crimes committed today,” said CS Kindiki.
Roads CS Kipchumba Murkomen also condemned the acts of vandalism witnessed during the demos, noting that the DCI has been asked to monitor CCTV footage and ensure those who took part in destroying sections of the Expressway are brought to book.
“As a country, we cannot normalize such acts of violence, lawlessness and vandalism committed on the pretext of exercising political rights,” he said.
