The government has yet again warned politicians accused of fueling violent protests.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said security agencies will not spare anyone perpetrating violence and property destruction during protests.

Omollo said that while the Constitution guarantees the right to picket, it must be exercised within the confines of the law.

He claimed that acts of hooliganism witnessed during recent opposition protests were perpetrated by criminal elements who had taken advantage of the situation.

The PS told leaders leading demonstrations to be mindful of the rights of other citizens.

“We cannot use the freedom to picket to trample on the rights of the rest of Kenyans who do not want to participate in the demonstrations. It shows the highest level of primitivity and we must move away from it,” he said.

Speaking in Bondo, Siaya County, Omollo said the government will not watch anti-government protesters destroy property, torch police vehicles and injure officers.

The PS reiterated that the government will not allow any illegal demonstrations, noting that the police must be notified of any planned activities.

Chiefs home

Omollo said attempts by protesters to break the law will attract the wrath of law enforcers.

“We live in a country that is governed by rule of law and as a government we insist that all must follow the law and nobody is above the law. It does not matter how big, small or influential you are ,” said the PS.

He visited Bondo a few days after Bondo Township Chief Walter Omollo’s home was looted and torched by irate protesters following the death of Dave Agan, who was allegedly shot by the police.

“The due process of the law shall be adhered to protect lives and property as we aim to bring back sanity in the event of any demonstrations,” he said.