Waiguru, Murkomen strongly condemn property destruction in protests

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru speaking during a past event. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

A section of leaders have strongly condemned destruction of property during Wednesday's demonstrations.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru termed the protests 'thuggery clothed in constitutional garb'.

"These are not demonstrations. This is economic sabotage. Its intended effect is counterproductive to the purported cause. How does burning cars, buildings and destroying infrastructure which we are still paying loans for bring down the cost of living?" said Waiguru in a statement on Twitter.

Waiguru has called on relevant authorities to ensure the saboteurs and their hirers face the law.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has also rebuked the demonstrations saying government agencies have been tasked with investigating and prosecuting the perpetrators.

"The Government has tonight 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, including those who funded or otherwise aided or abetted the offenders," he said.

On his part, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigation's office to ensure that the culprits are punished in accordance with the law.

"Going forward, organisers of demonstrations must guarantee that their supporters will not repeat such acts of lawlessness failure to which they will be held personally responsible for losses," Murkomen said.

National Assembly's Leader of Majority Kimani Ichungwa condemned the wrecking of the Expressway saying police are not liable for the destruction.

"This madness by all means must stop. Is this a peaceful protest or procession? And the Githeri Azimio Media will blame the police for dispersing 'peaceful demonstrators'," he claimed.

Additionally, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo released a statement calling on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the death of an innocent bystander, Brian Muendo.

According to Muendo's mother, the 18-year-old was shot dead by a police bullet on the lower abdomen yet he was not part of the protests.
"Following these acts of police using excessive force against innocent Kenyans, I call on IPOA to promptly investigate the culpable officers and bring those responsible to account," read part Mutula's statement.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria says Kenya Kwanza's agenda will not be set back due to the demonstrations. He said investors continue to show interest in the country.

On the other hand, Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) released a statement saying that demonstrations are disrupting the country's economy hence scaring away investors.

"Kenya's attractiveness to investors, tourists and businesses is diminishing by the day due to these actions. FKE condemns any destruction of property and endangering of life by any person," read the statement.

FKE says policy makers should amend the law in order to ensure peaceful public participation and promising Parliamentary processes.

Demonstrations that took place yesterday left a huge trail of aftermath including deaths, injuries, arrests as well as destruction of public and private properties.

During the protests, under aged pupils were teargassed, officers and journalists were injured as well as a number of protestors who either lost their lives or were left fighting for it in hospital beds.

In addition to the chaos, shops were broken into and properties worth huge sums of money looted.