Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has strongly criticized the Kenya Kwanza government following a violent crackdown on peaceful protests staged in memory of blogger Albert Ojwang who died in police custody.
The June 17th peaceful protests turned violent across Kenyan cities and major towns especially in Nairobi and Mombasa after infiltration by goons who were heard chanting pro government slogans in Nairobi CBD.
Through an official statement, the former Deputy President highlighted the chaos as “one of the lowest moments of our post-independence, Kenya,” and blamed what he called “a clueless regime that has no value and dignity for human life.”
”Young people and patriotic Kenyans expressing themselves on the death of an innocent Albert Ojwang have been beaten up, their property destroyed, and lives lost in the peaceful protests.” he said, condemning security forces for the use of excessive force.
Gachagua also accused the government of violating the constitutional rights of Kenyans to peacefully demonstrate.
“Kenyans enjoying their constitutional right to Assembly and Expression are invaded by the police and state sponsored goons under the full glare of the camera, and the whole world stages our nation as a pariah state Mr. President,” he charged.
During the Gen-Zs and human rights activists led protests, a police officer was arrested on orders of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, after he was captured on camera shooting an unarmed mask hawker in Nairobi CBD, this has further raised uproar among Kenyans who have further intensified their call for an end to police brutality.
“What is the logic behind shooting an innocent and harmless hawker selling masks at a close range? What police training is this? This is as if the brutal murder of Albert Ojwang in police custody isn’t enough.” He said
In a daring escalation, Gachagua alleged the police brutality displayed and goons infiltration had been premeditated and orchestrated by top state officials.
“I had clearly warned of a plan by the President and the Governor of Nairobi County and other state machinery of their plans to unleash police brutality and thugs in police escort to kill our young people today. This has come to pass.”
These protests come amid growing pressure from Kenyans and human rights activist who have been calling fir arrest and prosecution of top security bosses who many view as conspirers in death of Albert Ojwang’.
