KANU Party Leader Gideon Moi has condemned the violence seen during Tuesday’s protests, stating that goons have disrupted the previously peaceful demonstrations. In a statement, Moi observed that the past two weeks featured notably peaceful protests, with demonstrators carrying placards, water, and chanting in solidarity.
However, the former Baringo Senator noted that the peaceful protesters have now been replaced by goons who are openly looting and vandalizing property.
“Over the past two weeks, the protests have been notably peaceful, characterized by participants carrying placards, and water, and chanting in solidarity,” said Moi.
However, today’s protests have been visibly infiltrated by a ragtag militia engaged in looting, vandalizing property, and stealing from individuals. These evidently well-organized infiltrations are clearly aimed at discrediting the genuine protesters. We strongly condemn these acts of looting and vandalism.
Moi appealed to the Gen Z protesters to remain vigilant against those trying to tarnish their reputation and to isolate such individuals for law enforcement to apprehend. He also urged security personnel to arrest and prosecute the looters while protecting the peaceful demonstrators.
“We urge genuine protestors to remain vigilant and to help identify and isolate individuals seeking to exploit the protests for their own gain,” said Moi.
“We call on security officers to swiftly arrest and charge these disruptive elements, while also ensuring the protection of the peaceful and unarmed protestors.”
Since the protests started more than two weeks ago, human rights have reported that 39 people have lost their lives, over 300 people have been injured and property worth billions has been destroyed.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) in a statement also said there had been 32 cases of “enforced or involuntary disappearances” and 627 arrests of protesters.