Those who engaged in criminal activities during protests will be held to account, PS Omollo says

Speaking in Siaya County during a visit to Bondo's Township chief Walter Omollo, whose house was set on fire by irate protesters, Omollo stated that the government is committed to maintaining law and order in the country and will assist security agencies in carrying out their responsibilities.

"The law is very clear and we are law-abiding citizens and a government that respects the rule of law and where there is a criminal culpability those responsible will be held to account," he said 

"We are working on a programme to support our officers with service provision to wananchi and its critical that this infrastructure gets the respect and support it deserves so that they discharge their responsibilities without any fear."

The PS also urged citizens to use the proper channels to address their grievances rather than vandalize property, noting that the consequences would eventually cost their communities and cripple service delivery.

"We are here to urge Kenyas that we must be law-abiding citizens irrespective of the differences we may have there are channels where we can address them," he said.

"The question one would ask when you vandalize a police station when you beat police officers, when you burn police vehicles, where else would the public go to if they have grievances?"

He likewise called on leaders to sieve their utterances while addressing the public, arguing that their remarks can be inciting and cause 

"I want to call upon the leadership both local and national that we need to be careful with our utterances because they can be taken to another level," he said.

Whilst the opposition has been mobilizing peaceful demonstrations to picket President William Ruto's administration against the high cost of living and increased taxation, they have turned violent, with 20 deaths and scores of injuries reported. 

Last week's protests which ended on Friday were marred with alleged incidences of torture and inhumane treatment by security forces against protesters.