CS Kuria Claims Govt Action That Led To Violent Mlolongo Protests

Kuria went ahead to accuse Mavoko Member of Parliament Patrick Makau, without evidence, of inciting the protesters in Mlolongo which led to the death of five people.

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Jul 13, 2023 - 11:22
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CS Kuria Claims Govt Action That Led To Violent Mlolongo Protests
Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria speaking during a meeting with Saudi Arabia investors on July 12, 2023. /MOSES KURIA

Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria on Thursday, July 13 alleged that the government's eviction of squatters in Mlolongo town could have triggered the violent protests witnessed in the area on Wednesday, July 12.

The CS stated on his social media that many of the protesters were angered by the move to evict the squatters from the town, claiming that the government had chased away those who had occupied land claimed by East Africa Portland.

Kuria went ahead to accuse Mavoko Member of Parliament Patrick Makau, without evidence, of inciting the protesters in Mlolongo which led to the death of five people.

Protestors vandalise Nairobi Expressway toll stations and light up tyres near Mlolongo, Machakos County on July 12, 2023. /KIMANI ICHUNG'WAH

"The violence in Mlolongo yesterday was because we evicted squatters from East Africa Portland land led by Mavoko MP Patrick Makau.

"Today we will evict all illegal squatters. You can burn all you want but sibanduki (I won't surrender)," stated the CS.

The CS added that they would go ahead with the plan despite the protests, stating that the land has been reserved for the construction of the first Kenyan cargo airport.

Makau, a second-term Wiper Party MP, was earlier arrested over his alleged involvement in the Mlolongo protests, with reports indicating that police officers stormed his house in Karen at 4:00 am and took him in custody.

The MP denied any involvement in the demonstrations that were witnessed on Wednesday where a section of the Expressway was damaged affecting traffic flow.

Makau was the first leader to be arrested following the new wave of protests that have threatened to cripple the country's struggling economy as leaders allied to the government indicated that Azimio la Umoja coalition should be held responsible for the chaos witnessed across the country. 

On Wednesday, Interior CS, Kithure Kindiki laid blame on Azimio leader, Raila Odinga over the Wednesday protests, warning that the government will not relent in taking action against the organisers of the protests and Kenyans involved in destroying infrastructure and property.

He accused the propagators of the violence of borrowing a leaf from individuals allied to Raila, a man the CS termed as one who has grown fond of violent politics.

"From the 1982 attempted coup-de-tat to the 2007/08 post-election violence, this same politician and his collaborators, then and now, are associated with risky politics that has occasionally plunged our Country into near destruction," he stated.

On Thursday, July 13, Orange Democratic Secretary General Edwin Sifuna revealed plans to increase the frequency of the demonstrations to three days a week consecutively.

"From next week, there will be three days straight of protests; Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, until Ruto understands that people are suffering and repeals this law the same way he imposed it upon them," he stated during an interview with Citizen TV.

Edwin Sifuna during a past address. /FILE

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