Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has blamed the Kenya Kwanza administration for the lives lost in 2023 during anti-government protests.

In a statement, Kalonzo said that several people who were exercising their democratic right to picket died out of government’s arrogant approach to protests.

Kalonzo was the co-chair of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) which was born after protests which led to bloodshed and deaths.

“As we bid farewell to 2023; a year that has been both challenging and at times overwhelming, Kenyans have lost their lives because of the Kenya Kwanza regime’s arrogant reaction to peaceful protests,” Kalonzo stated.

“They were overwhelmed to their graves.”

According to Kalonzo, the national government seemed confused in 2023 in terms of managing disasters caused by the El Nino rains, which led to several deaths.

“The year has also seen the El Niño phenomenon visit us again. The elements of nature could not take orders from those in authority who denied its pending existence. In fact, the disbursement of funds to the counties seemed to be prevaricated. Those in control seemed confused, disorganised and ultimately overwhelmed,” Kalonzo added.

According to statistics from the government, as of December 19, 2023, at least 174 people had lost their lives due to the ongoing El Nino rains.

109,179 households comprising about 545,895 people displaced so far were displaced by the rains as of December 19.

During the same time, governors complained of delayed disbursement of funds to the counties, which led to contradicting statements being issued by top government officials.

Kalonzo’s 2024 expectations

In 2024, Kalonzo called on Kenyans and leaders to help the country get rid of greed, bad policies and corruption.

“2024, I believe, will be a crucial year, indeed, a watershed moment for all of us. As we welcome 2024, I wish my Fellow Kenyans God’s own blessings whether we are Christians, Muslims or Hindus. All Kenyans, wherever you are here or abroad, please keep Hope Alive. We have only One Nation – our Motherland Kenya. Let us work hard to disabuse the country of wrong policies, greed and corruption. Happy New Year and God’s Blessings I wish for all of you,” Kalonzo stated.

This comes even as Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga announced the return of anti-government protests in 2024.

“Only two days remain and we get to the next year. We are not going to be silent when we touch that year. Burdened Kenyans cannot suffer under the leadership of President William Ruto who swore to relieve them from economic distress. I will blow the whistle and expect Kenyans who are fed up with the regime to join the mother of demonstrations to register their dissatisfaction with the Ruto-led administration,” Raila said.