Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a firm and emotional warning following the tragic events of the June 25 protests, where at least 16 people lost their lives and more than 400 others were injured.
The protests, which turned chaotic and violent, have been described by Kindiki as one of the darkest days in Kenya’s recent history.
While addressing the public on Thursday, Kindiki expressed deep concern over the violence, destruction, and bloodshed that unfolded during the protests.
He called the events a disgrace and warned that such unrest, if not stopped, could throw the country into total disorder.
“What happened on Wednesday was the most violent and lawless day our country has experienced since the 2007/2008 post-election violence. It was painful and disgraceful to watch.
The deaths, the destruction of both public and private property, the looting of businesses, and the lawlessness were shocking. If not addressed, this path could lead us straight into chaos,” Kindiki said.
He assured Kenyans that both he and President William Ruto are fully committed to ensuring that such violence never happens again.
“Speaking on behalf of President Ruto, I want to make it clear that we will never allow what took place to be repeated in this country.
We cannot sit back and watch Kenya slide into lawlessness and anarchy. We will take all necessary steps to defend our nation from falling apart,” Kindiki emphasized.
Kindiki also lashed out at some religious leaders and diplomats, accusing them of misleading the youth. He said some religious figures had encouraged the young people to be responsible, while others incited them under the guise of promoting democratic rights.
“Some churches and religious leaders played a positive role and called for responsibility. However, others misled the youth, pushing them to act in a reckless manner. Is the destruction and violence we saw yesterday what they meant by exercising their rights?” he questioned.
The Deputy President also criticized foreign diplomats and certain political leaders who appeared to support the protests, implying that their public statements may have fueled unrest and encouraged disorder among the youth.
At the same time, Kindiki stressed that the government remains fully committed to protecting constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of the press. However, he made it clear that this freedom does not mean people can cause chaos.
“We have no intention of interfering with anyone’s freedom of opinion, freedom of expression, or press freedom. But that does not give anyone the license to create confusion and throw the country into turmoil,” he added.
Kindiki, who previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, revealed shocking details about the level of violence, saying that some police stations were set on fire and firearms, including guns and bullets, were stolen.
He said these actions prove that there were deeper, hidden motives behind the protests, beyond what many people believed.
His comments come at a time when the country is grappling with growing public outrage over police brutality, with many Kenyans demanding justice and accountability for the lives lost and the injuries sustained during the demonstrations.
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