How Govt Has Prepared To Deal With Violent Protestors- Kindiki
Kindiki assured that the police are under instructions to prevent a repeat of the violence witnessed last Wednesday, leading to the loss of lives, massive destruction of property and looting.
Marvin Chege 
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday, July 18 vowed that the government will do everything possible to avoid a repeat of violent protests witnessed during the last anti-government demonstrations on Wednesday, July 12.
In a statement, the CS noted that law enforcement agencies took into consideration the damage caused during the Azimio la Umoja protests in many parts of Nairobi City as well as other parts of the country in preparing to deal with criminals who may take advantage of the demonstrations to wreak havoc.
Kindiki assured that the police are under instructions to prevent a repeat of the violence witnessed last Wednesday, leading to the loss of lives, massive destruction of property and looting.
"On Wednesday last week, many parts of Nairobi City County and other parts of the Country witnessed an orgy of violence, lawlessness and destruction of private and public property by persons purporting to exercise their Constitutional rights and freedoms.
Protestors vandalise Nairobi Expressway toll stations and light up tyres near Mlolongo, Machakos County on July 12, 2023. /KIMANI ICHUNG'WAH
"The Country almost degenerated into total chaos perpetrated by criminal elements hiding under the guise of the Article 37 right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and petition public authorities," stated the CS in part.
Accordingly, Kindiki noted that the criminal elements responsible for the chaotic scenes last week are intending to replicate their efforts during the planned three-day protests set for between Wednesday, July 19 and Friday, July 21, warning that their habits may spill over into daily affairs.
The CS made reference to media and public reports on the matter, with government intelligence reports confirming the reports as credible.
"There have been media and public reports that the same organizers and architects of last week's violence, which resulted in the death and injury of innocent Kenyans, massive plunder of private property, arson on Government buildings and disruption of businesses, plan to yet again unleash terror and fresh violence on Kenyans tomorrow, Thursday and Friday.
"They have also threatened to turn the wave of violence into a weekly and perhaps a daily affair. Intelligence reports confirm these media and public reports as accurate and verifiable," added the CS.
He announced that national security agencies have deployed all the available resources to ensure that the scenes witnessed on Wednesday do not happen again.
He further urged members of the public to continue with their daily activities as per usual, under the protection of law enforcement officers.
"Anyone planning to unleash violence on Kenyans is hereby warned to cease and desist. Those who doubt the Government's resolve to prevent further loss of life, injury, destruction of private and public property, and degeneration of the Country into anarchy have a date with law enforcement agencies tomorrow, Thursday, Friday or any other day.
"Members of the public are advised to go about their daily businesses normally as law enforcement agencies ensure their safety and security, and that those who wish to express their political rights do so within the law and without violating the rights of others," added the CS.
Kindiki's statement comes days after he clarified that the government had not banned public rallies and gatherings, noting that the government would allow scheduled protests as long as they are peaceful.
UDA Announces Counter-Protests
Meanwhile, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament and the Vice Chairman of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Hassan Omar declared counter-demonstrations to neutralise Azimio la Umoja-led protests.
While addressing a meeting attended by other UDA leaders, Omar announced that Kenya Kwanza protests will organise parallel protests in Mombasa to coincide with the Azimio demonstrations.
“We can’t accept you causing economic turmoil in Mombasa, I want to tell our women rep and senator, that enough is enough, let them do it, I have told them, that we will be behind the police to see who dares,” Omar stated.
Side-by-side image of President William Ruto (right) and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga (left). /PCS.RAILA ODINGA
“We will not accept any minute of protest, even if its three minutes, we have reports that they are planning in Bangladesh, Maweni, Kisauni and Tudor Mwisho, and Majengo they want to use the poor to benefit themselves, we will be on the streets ourselves to protect our property."
The UDA leadership claimed that Azimio leaders were taking advantage of the silence from their political camp, affirming that they would not sit back and watch as Azimio cripples businesses and badly bruise the general economy.
Omar alleged that the Kenya Kwanza Coalition possessed both the capacity and resources to organize significant protests, capable of drawing crowds to match those of Azimio.
