Gen-Z resume Tuesday demonstrations
Kenyans are expected to be back on the streets today to protest against the Finance Bill 2024.
Kenyans, especially the Gen Z who are also unhappy with President William Ruto’s leadership, have vowed to sustain the protests today and on Thursday.
Ruto, however, on Sunday night assured the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will not be on the streets if the demonstrators will be peaceful.
He said police will be ready to escort and provide security to the protesters.
“The KDF will not be in the streets. They only come as a last resort. If the demonstrations will be peaceful I promise you the police will be there to protect the demonstrators,” he said.
Ruto has also warned police will also be there to deal will criminals who would want to infiltrate the protests to destroy property and cause chaos.
According to posters circulating online, Kenyans have been told to occupy major roads across the country to force the government into action.
Activist Boniface Mwangi, who was arrested during the protests two weeks but later released following a recommendation by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) took to social media to rally Kenyans behind today’s demos.
“I know tomorrow I will be on the streets. I was there last week. I made it to the precincts of Parliament when police opened fire on unarmed protestors. The innocent lives were cut short by Zakayo’s police. If you can’t be on the streets with us, stay home in solidarity,” Mwangi posted.
Recent abductions
Kenyans have also raised concerns over excessive use of force by police officers and the recent abductions.
Among the latest arrests is that of former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter who was arrested on Sunday as he was leaving a church in Kileleshwa. He was yesterday summoned back to DCI headquarters.
The DCI said they are investigating claims Keter was involved in a conspiracy to traffic firearms and incite violence.
He was accomplished by his lawyers and later released hours later while in the company of Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
He denies the claims and says they are political.
Forensic analysis
Police said they are investigating claims of arms trafficking on the vocal former MP.
“Contrary to the misinformation circulating on social media on alleged abduction of Hon Alfred Keter by unknown men, this is to confirm that Keter was arrested earlier today by NPS Officers for Conspiracy to Traffic Firearms and Incitement to Violence.”
“He was booked at Kamukunji Police Station and later released pending Forensic Analysis of exhibits. Thereafter the file will be forwarded to the ODPP for direction. Police are urging members of the public to refrain from acts of violence, hate speech and malice for sustained peace and security in our beloved country,” the DCI said.
This was minutes after Keter had been released on free bond from Kamukunji police station. His wife Joanne Keter said her children are traumatised from witnessing armed state agents abducting their father on Sunday.
“The people who came to abduct him were men. You people are fathers. God will avenge this for me because whatever you have left in the hearts of our children, it is only God who will avenge me.”
Keter was released Sunday evening and later addressed the media in the company of Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, Babu and former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko among other leaders.
Keter attacked government officials behind his arrest saying he will not be intimidated.
Keter and his wife explained how they were dramatically arrested on Sunday morning.
The wife said the incident had left their children traumatised.
