Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised human rights groups and Opposition leaders for failing to condemn violent protesters who injured police officers during the chaotic demonstrations organised by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya.
Speaking on Sunday at Alliance High School, the DP accused the groups of discrimination and questioned why human rights activists and organisations were reluctant to call out protesters who engaged security officers with stones and other crude weapons.
"I want our leaders to know that police officers are also human beings, parents, spouses or a sibling to somebody," he said.
Official government report issued last week by Interior PS Raymond Omollo showed that one police officer was killed while 305 others were nursing serious injuries following the violent protests held from July 19-21.
"Police officers were injured and others are in hospitals. Not a single leader from the Opposition or organisation has stood to say that it is wrong to attack or injure a police officer," the DP said.
Gachagua was speaking after laying a foundation stone for a chapel and presiding over a funds drive for Alliance High School's Centenary projects.
He assured the National Police Service of government's protection when out on duty protecting lives and property saying no harm will come their way.
"The situation we saw last week cannot be allowed to go on. Hooligans and arsonists went to Mombasa Road, destroyed properties, stoning vehicles and extorting motorists, snatching earrings from women, that mayhem and chaos can not be allowed to continue because this country is a rule of law," he said
The DP echoed President William Ruto's sentiments that the country's security is not negotiable and the government will not allow lawlessness under whatever circumstances.
He said the withdrawn security detail of Azimio-allied leaders will not be reinstated until the Opposition stops the street protests.
"The government has to withdraw officers to guard other Kenyans. The officers will only go back when the chaos stop," he said.
Leaders present during the event included Cabinet Secretaries Ezekiel Machogu (Education) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport) and governors Kimani Wamatangi (Kiambu) and Ochillo Ayacko (Migori).
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw'a, senators Karungo Thang'wa (Kiambu) and William Wahome (Nyeri), Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Muratha and a host of other Kenya Kwanza MPs were also present.