The government has been put on the spot for failing to act or ignoring intelligence on mayhem meted on Kenyans during the Monday’s Saba Saba day protests.

Saying the government should bear responsibility for the deaths and destruction of property, a bitter Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro said “the government is squarely responsible for commission or omission” of the chaos.

“The government was either involved or abated the crimes. If State erected roadblocks all over the country where did those who destroyed property pass? The Kajiado governor, Nakuru, Kirinyaga and Murang’a leaders were clear those who committed the atrocities were not locals,” Nyoro told a public meeting in his constituency.

Nyoro, who sent condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones, regretted that more than 50 Kenyans have been killed in the hands of government in the past one month.

Bear responsibility

“They were killed by a government which was supposed to protect them. The government must bear responsibility for all businesses that were razed and lives that were lost. The question is, was there intelligence on the mayhem meted out to the people of Kenya?” he asked.

“If there was no intelligence they have no business calling themselves government. More than Sh200 billion was allocated for internal security alone. If the government cannot protect lives and property what is their work?”

He took issue with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s move to show national identification cards of people who allegedly looted a supermarket in Nairobi, saying “we can detect through their lies, Kenyans are not fools.”

Nyoro further took issue with move by Kenya Kwanza leaders to try and divide Kenyans through tribal lines following the Gen Z protests warning that “this time around they will not succeed”.

At the same time, Murang’a government will pay the medical bills of those injured during the Saba Saba protests. 

Speaking when he visited one of the victims admitted to the ICU at the Murang’a Referral Hospital, Governor Irung’u Kang’ata castigated police brutality during the demos.

He said protests in the county have been peaceful but the last ones saw four people lose their lives and scores injured.

“Eleven people were injured, we have one admitted to the ICU and another was transferred to Kenyatta hospital,” he said. “I also want to pass my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and assure that of our support during this difficult moment.”

The governor also lamented the massive destruction of property, adding that this was done by outsiders. “We have businesses which were looted and vandalised and we have information that this was not perpetrated by locals but people from outside” he said.

The governor said leaders must be open to criticism from the public saying it will help in bringing reforms.

“Also the people have the right to demonstrate because it’s their constitutional right but it’s sad to have such tragic endings of people dying and property destroyed,” he added.

Fingers crossed

Henry Mbote, brother of Kelvin Mwaniki, a 22-year-old who was shot by the police during the demonstrations said the family is keeping their fingers crossed for their brother to survive.

Mwaniki, a boda boda rider in Kangari town was shot twice in the abdomen and is admitted to the ICU.

“My brother was not part of the demonstrations but he was caught up in the melee and shot twice and now he is fighting for his life,” said Mbote.

The family of Julius Nduku, a-30 year-old driver who was shot dead during the protests, is also demanding justice for their kin.

“We are hoping justice will prevail for all the victims of police brutality during the demos,” said Peter Musyoki, Nduku’s brother.

Meanwhile, religious leaders from Kiambu County have called for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing wave of protests across the country.

Speaking during a prayer meeting at the Embassy of God Church in Witeithie, Juja sub-county, the clerics appealed for calm and called on the government and demonstrators to de-escalate the tensions that have led to widespread destruction of property, looting, and the loss of lives in recent weeks.

Led by Bishop Samuel Irungu, the clerics emphasized the need for national dialogue, calling on President William Ruto to demonstrate humility and initiate talks with the opposition.

“The country is bleeding, and the people are hurting. We are pleading with the president to consider the initiate dialogue. It is not a show of weakness, but a show of leadership,” said Bishop Irungu.

“The youth need hope, not bullets. They need jobs, not tear gas. But when businesses are destroyed and investors flee, it is the same young people who suffer most. We are urging restraint from all sides,” said Reverend Peter Ndegwa.