By Veronicah Stellah
The Kenyan government has vowed to end the reign of terror and impunity of dangerous criminal gangs that threaten the nation’s stability. In a statement, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure affirmed the government’s determination to stop criminals aiming to terrorize the public, despite attempts to politicize crime.
This announcement follows a two-week wave of protests across the country sparked by the Finance Bill 2024, which President William Ruto ultimately rejected. The bill’s passage led to widespread dissatisfaction, resulting in demonstrations that caused loss of life and extensive property damage.
Addressing the nation last Wednesday, President Ruto expressed regret over the violent fallout from the bill’s passage, which prompted his decision to withdraw it. “Following the passage of the bill, the country witnessed widespread expression of dissatisfaction, regrettably resulting in the loss of life, destruction of property, and desecration of constitutional institutions… Consequently, having reflected on the continuing conversation around the content of the finance bill of 2024, I will decline to assent to the bill,” Ruto said. “I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 finance bill and it shall subsequently be withdrawn.”
Interior CS Kindiki detailed the impact of the protests, highlighting the events of Tuesday, June 25, 2024, when civil unrest rocked Nairobi and other towns. The demonstrations resulted in numerous casualties and significant property damage, including an attempt to burn down Parliament Buildings. “Lives were lost, property worth billions of shillings destroyed or looted, and an attempt was made to burn down Parliament Buildings,” Kindiki stated.
Despite the bill’s withdrawal, Kindiki noted that criminal gangs continue to pose a significant threat to public safety, exploiting the guise of peaceful protests to disturb public order, commit arson, obstruct public transport, and terrorize citizens. “Notwithstanding the termination of the Bill, hordes of marauding criminal gangs continue to pose grave danger to the public,” he said. “They ride on announced plans for peaceful protests to disturb public order, commit arson, obstruct public transport, and terrorize the people of Kenya with violence.”
The Interior CS assured the public that security agencies are on high alert to prevent harm to citizens and protect critical infrastructure and national symbols. He also promised that those responsible for organizing and executing large-scale arson, violent robberies, and other felonious crimes would be brought to justice. “Upon completion of the ongoing evidential analysis, the planners, executors, and financiers of these crimes will be brought to justice,” Kindiki vowed.
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