Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has accused unnamed political actors of hijacking Monday’s nationwide protests against high fuel prices, saying the demonstrations degenerated into chaos, looting, violence and destruction of property across the country.
In a press statement issued on Monday evening, Murkomen said four people were killed and more than 30 others injured during the unrest, which also disrupted transport and business operations in several towns.
“Even though our Constitution protects the right to demonstrate and picket, it is quite unfortunate that today’s protests have, once again, been hijacked by political actors for political ends,” Murkomen said.
The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that fuel prices had risen significantly due to the ongoing global political crisis, but argued that violence and destruction would not solve the problem.
“Looting, violence, blocking roads, and vandalizing public and private property can in no way bring down the oil prices. If anything, the disruption of transport and closure of businesses can only worsen the situation,” he stated.
Murkomen said the government, through the National Treasury and the Ministries of Energy and Transport, was already engaging stakeholders in the transport sector to explore possible solutions to rising fuel prices.
According to the CS, security agencies had established that criminal groups were mobilized by rogue politicians to target government projects, public property and leaders allied to the government.
He cited the looting of Khetia supermarkets allegedly linked to a pro-government Member of Parliament, the burning of a United Democratic Alliance office in Wote, Makueni County, and the torching of two trucks at the Rironi-Mau Summit road project as evidence of what he termed a coordinated campaign of intimidation and sabotage.
Murkomen also linked the unrest to the recent attack on Rachel Wandetto, who succumbed to her injuries earlier Monday after reportedly being attacked over her political views.
“Coupled with the recent violent attack on Ms Rachel Wandeto, who passed on this morning, we are witnessing a clear scheme where a section of the political class is making incendiary statements to fan intolerance and ethnic bigotry and organizing gangs to spread terror,” he said.
The Interior CS accused some leaders of profiling Kenyans based on political affiliation and warned that they would be held personally responsible for lives lost and property destroyed as a result of their statements.
“To the leaders who have been profiling Kenyans of different political opinion and calling them traitors, we shall hold you personally responsible for the lives lost and property destroyed as result of your statements,” Murkomen warned.
He assured the country that the government would not allow lawlessness to take root and vowed intensified operations against organized criminal groups and their alleged sponsors.
“We will intensify our fight against organized crime and its sponsors who are hellbent on propagating anarchy,” he said, adding that those behind the violence and destruction would face the full force of the law.
Murkomen nevertheless commended Kenyans who remained peaceful despite the disruptions and assured travellers that security agencies had been instructed to ensure safety on all roads.
He also said blocked roads were being cleared to restore movement and transport services across affected regions.
Monday’s protests saw major disruptions reported in parts of Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Machakos, Kakamega, Meru and several other counties after transport operators and protesters blocked highways using stones, burning tyres and barricades in demonstrations over the rising cost of fuel.
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