CS Kindiki vows crackdown on politicized crime amid reports of protest infiltration

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki condemned the violence witnessed during nationwide demonstrations on Tuesday, claiming that it had caused unrest, destroyed public property, and paralysed transportation in some of the counties where protests were held.

The CS stated that some criminals posing as protestors infiltrated peaceful protests in order to loot, destroy property, and cause public unrest.

While referring to the planned demos that will take place throughout the week, CS Kindiki issued a stern warning to the perpetrators, stating that security agencies would prevent such incidents at any cost.

“Notwithstanding the termination of the Bill, hordes of marauding criminal gangs continue to pose a grave danger to the public, riding on announced plans for peaceful protests to disturb public order, commit arson, obstruct public transport and terrorise the people of Kenya with violence,” the CS said.

“The organisers of today’s orgy of violence in parts of Nairobi, Mombasa and several other parts of the Country are reportedly planning to repeat their anarchic chaos and cruel plunder again on Thursday and Sunday this week, and perhaps much more frequently in the future.”

He added: “This reign of terror against the people of Kenya and the impunity of dangerous criminal gangs must end at whatever cost. The Government is determined to stop criminals aiming to terrorise the public and harm Kenya, notwithstanding attempts to politicise crime.”

According to CS Kindiki, there exist unnamed financiers and planners of the protests who he assured the public that they would be brought to book.t

He claimed that the protests were politically motivated and that the government would address the issue.

“Upon completion of the ongoing evidential analysis, the Government assures the public that the planners, executors and financiers of large-scale arson, violent robberies and other felonious crimes will be brought to justice,” he said.

Kindiki also praised law enforcement for their 'professional' handling of the rioters, noting that they remained calm in the face of provocations.

He directed security agencies to thwart any future attempts at violence at any cost, as well as demonstrations to help protect lives and property, while also noting that officers accused of killings would face legal charges.

“The Police continue to act professionally and with restraint in the management of extremely provocative situations that arise in the course of the violent riots. The government commends all law enforcement officers who continue to carry out their challenging mandate of preventing crime and protecting Kenyans' lives and property. Claims of some instances of unlawful conduct by law enforcement officers will be investigated and appropriate action taken,” Kindiki stated.

“Security agencies remain alert to intercept and thwart harm to the public and attempts to attack critical infrastructure and the emblems of our sovereignty.”