Kindiki only voice of reason in UDA – Kabando on protests directive

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki is the only voice of reason within the United Democratic Alliance, former MP Kabando wa Kabando has said.

His remarks came after the CS ordered the police not to interfere with protestors, as long as they are not destroying other people's property.

Kabando further advised Kindiki that should the people in power refuse to be unbiased like he is, he should resign.

The former MP said by doing this, Kindiki will have stamped his name in the books of history like those who chose to walk out of government over the principles they held.

"CS Kindiki Kithure, you are a refreshing voice of reason amidst UDA cacophony. More doves will stem the torrents of hawkish sycophancies. Bwana CS, if they can't assimilate your sobriety, resign as Joseph Murumbi, Masinde Muliro, Mwai Kibaki, Kenneth Matiba, and Jaramogi Oginga did to stamp your Roll of Honour," Kabando said.

On Sunday, Kindiki told police not to interfere with Kenyans who assemble for purposes of either picketing or demonstrating so long as they do so peacefully. 

Speaking at his home in Tharaka Nithi during a security baraza with residents, the CS said police have no reason to confront unarmed protesters who are exercising their right to picket or demonstrate.

"If citizens are unarmed, let them say whatever they want to say," Kindiki said.

"If they are not armed, they are not hurting anyone (and) they are not breaking anyone's shop, let them express themselves. Come evening, they will go home, if possible escort them."

It is not yet clear whether his remarks were in reference to last Friday's clash between security officers and protesters who were participating in Saba Saba demonstrators.

Police fired teargas and used water canons to prevent the demonstrators from accessing the Central Business District after they left Kamukunji grounds where they had been addressed by Azimio leader Raila Odinga.