Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the ‘acts of vandalism and destruction of public infrastructure’ witnessed during Wednesday's Azimio la Umoja anti-government protests.
The CS stated that his office has contacted the Office of the Director of Criminal Investigations to initiate investigations and apprehend those responsible for the unlawful acts.
“We cannot normalise such acts of violence, lawlessness and vandalism committed on the pretext of exercising political rights,” he said.
Further, he emphasized the importance of identifying and bringing individuals captured on the CCTV cameras to justice.
“The perpetrators of such heinous acts must be apprehended and punished,” he said.
The nationwide anti-government protests in various major towns led to significant infrastructure damage, particularly in Nairobi, where protesters vandalized a section of the Nairobi Expressway in Mlolongo.
Additionally, due to their confrontations and running battles, the police and demonstrators' clashes caused significant damage to some of the highways.
Murkomen emphasised the significance of protest leaders giving guarantees to the government that their demonstrations won't result in any destruction to stop similar vandalism in subsequent protests.
“Failure to which they will be held personally responsible for losses incurred through theft, vandalism, and the destruction of public infrastructure and property,” he said.
Opposition Leader Raila Odinga announced nationwide protests against the government for failing to address the high cost of living and implementing the Finance Act 2023.
