Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said that politicians whose security was withdrawn will wait for three months before the government reconsiders their fate.
The DP said that the guards were withdrawn to beef up surveillance on roads and protection of public property during the anti-government demonstrations called by the opposition.
“I have not seen any commitment that there will be no chaotic demonstrations, even as talks between the opposition and the government resume. We shall therefore stay with the guards to protect property,” he said.
He spoke at the legendary Alliance High School during the laying of a foundation stone for the construction of a new Chapel at the school as part of its centennial projects.
Leaders present
Gachagua was flanked by his spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, Cabinet Secretaries Ezekiel Machogu (Education) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport), PS for Education Dr. Belio Kipsang, Governor Kimani Wamatangi, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw’a, Senator Karungo Thang’wa, Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha, and a host of the school’s old boys, including Governor Achilo Ayako.
The DP made a scathing attack on politicians and human rights organizations for blaming the police for the deaths of tens of people during the recent demonstrations across the country.
He regretted that, despite tens of police officers sustaining serious injuries during the demonstrations, not a single human rights body defended their rights.
“Policemen and women are human beings. They are the sons and daughters of people; they are fathers and mothers, and hence they have rights. What does one expect them to do when you come to demonstrations with stones?” he posed.
“I want to assure the police that they are protected and they should go ahead with their duties unperturbed,” he said.
“The police didn’t go to anyone’s home. They dealt with rioters who were terrorizing motorists, robbing women of their earrings, and breaking into businesses,” he said.
Kindiki, Koome lauded
The DP also commended Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and the Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome for ensuring criminal demonstrators were dealt with firmly and decisively.
He said that the government will chip in and help facelift the now debilitated buildings at Alliance by donating Ksh50 million this financial year and a similar amount in the next financial year.
