- Footage shared online showed what are believed to be goons vandalising businesses in various parts of the country.
- In Mombasa, at least five vehicles were set ablaze. In Kitengela, a popular restaurant was also attacked and looted.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
Leaders have taken to social media to condemn the infiltration of the Gen Z protests by goons who are now engaging in wanton destruction of property.
The leaders observed that the demonstrations were largely peaceful in many parts of the country in the early hours of Tuesday, but the unfolding events give a clear indication that elements with criminal intent have hijacked the well-meaning demonstrations.
“What we witnessed today in Mombasa and some parts of our country including Nairobi, Migori, Kisumu and Kisii is no longer Gen Z-related,” Nyali MP Mohammed Ali said.
“Goons infiltrated the planned demonstrations and torched vehicles, robbed innocent women and men while on motorbikes and vandalised businesses which is a clear indication that there are other forces at play that seek to see this country burn and undo over 60 years of development,” he added.
The MP called on stakeholders including parents, religious leaders, politicians and businessmen to call for an end to the protests saying the President has already heard the cries of the young generation and put forth a dialogue initiative.
“Police must protect and safeguard the lives of innocent Kenyans and their properties. This is now beyond politics. It’s about protecting our beloved country. Let us all remain vigilant and choose peace over chaos,” Ali said.
Former Machakos Governor Johnson Muthama also condemned the acts of destruction and vandalism and called on the police to identify the individuals and ensure they face justice.
“It is unfortunate that what started as peaceful protests has now been hijacked by opportunists and goons who are looting, creating mayhem, and destroying property and infrastructure. This has undermined the genuine protestors and their agenda,” Muthama said on X.
His sentiments were echoed by former Baringo senator Gideon Moi who urged the shift action of security officers to arrest and charge the perpetrators of the criminal acts.
“These evidently well-organised infiltrations are clearly aimed at discrediting the genuine protestors,” he said.
The former senator urged the genuine protesters to exercise vigilance and to help identify and isolate individuals seeking to exploit the protests for their own gain.
“Over the past two weeks, the protests have been notably peaceful, characterised by participants carrying placards, and water, and chanting in solidarity. However, today's protests have been visibly infiltrated by a ragtag militia engaged in looting, vandalising property, and stealing from individuals,” he noted.
Footage shared online showed what are believed to be goons vandalising businesses in various parts of the country.
In Mombasa, at least five vehicles were set ablaze. In Kitengela, a popular restaurant was also attacked and looted.
DCI boss Mohamed Amin issued a statement saying a team has been dispatched to pursue gang members recorded while violently robbing innocent Kenyans on the roads.
"Anyone involved in the criminal activities are reminded that it is just a matter of time before the long arm of the law catches up with them, and that their felonious acts shall be met with the full force of the law," he said.
In his address to the nation after the bloody Occupy Parliament protests on June 25, President William Ruto acknowledged that the youthful protesters were peacefully exercising their democratic right to demonstrate but their course was hijacked by “criminals” who engaged in “treasonous” acts.
On that day, police barricades were overrun on all corners and Parliament security breached.
A police lorry was torched and a section of Senate vandalised and also set on fire as MPs in the National Assembly voted to pass the impugned Finance Bill, 2024.
Ruto addressed the nation the following day and said he had heard the people’s voice and declined to assent to the Bill.
Protesters have however, given talks under the National Multi-Sectoral Forum (NMSF) a wide berth and continued to protest.