Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has criticised Matatu Owners Association over protests against rising fuel prices, claiming their grievances are not genuine.
According to Mr Murkomen, matatu operators’ protests over the high cost of fuel are motivated by the fact that William Ruto is in power. He argued that similar demonstrations were not witnessed during the presidency of Uhuru Kenyatta.
“During that time, (Uhuru’s regime) we never organised protests. In fact, matatu industry leaders never protested against the government. The question that we are asking ourselves is, why did they feel that it was okay to understand President Uhuru Kenyatta, but when it is President William Ruto, we should go to the streets?” Mr Murkomen posed.
In his address to the media on Monday evening in Nairobi, shortly after demonstrations had taken place across most parts of the country, the CS announced that investigations had begun to identify and prosecute those responsible for infiltrating peaceful demonstrations.
His allegations come despite demonstrations being witnessed in several areas of the country, including Nairobi, Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Kirinyaga and Nakuru.
The CS stated that four lives were lost during the protests. He also stated that 30 people sustained injuries in the demonstrations where goons robbed passengers and pedestrians.
He said that some politicians, including former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, were being investigated over remarks that could have caused lawlessness in some of the regions.
“We are witnessing a scheme in which a section of the political class is making statements to fan the flames of intolerance and ethnic bigotry, organising gangs to spread terror and sabotage government projects, and profiling and intimidating those with a different political opinion — especially those who support the government.”
The government also revealed that two trucks belonging to the Rironi-Mau Summit road project contractor were set on fire.
“We will intensify the fight against organised crime and its sponsors, who are hell-bent on propagating anarchy. The full force of the law will be brought against those who organised today’s violent destruction of property,” said Mr Murkomen, adding that around 340 people had been arrested for taking part in an illegal demonstration.
