Ex-DP Gachagua claims State behind 'looting' in Mt Kenya

The opposition now claims there was deliberate targeting of people from Mt Kenya during the Saba Saba Day protests that saw lives lost and properties destroyed.

Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, along with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, claimed that the state deployed goons in unmarked vehicles to areas perceived as unfriendly to the current administration.

The goons, operating in police vehicles, were under instructions to loot, destroy specific businesses and kill peaceful protesters, they said.

“These state-sponsored militias worked closely with the police and meted out senseless violence–shooting aimlessly at people's homes and attacking innocent bystanders,” former UNCTAD’s secretary general  Mukhisa Kituyi said.

“Specific businesses, including supermarkets, were outrightly targeted for vandalisation and looting of goods worth millions of shillings while the police stood by and watched.”

The briefing at SKM Command Center in Karen, Nairobi, was also attended by Martha Karua (PLP), Justin Muturi (DP), Saitoti Torome (Jubilee), Eugine Wamalwa (DAP-K) and ex-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.

The National Police Service reported 11 deaths across the country following Monday’s protests while the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 31.

According to NPS 52 police officers sustained injuries, while 114 civilians were injured.

It also reported that 125 police vehicles, 36 government vehicles and 47 civilian vehicles belonging to civilians were damaged.

The leaders termed President William Ruto’s administration ‘hostile’, threatening to lead Kenyans in boycotting select business enterprises of ‘enablers’ of the regime.

“We put the regime on notice: The architects, enablers, financiers and executors of this regime’s violence will be held personally liable—both locally and internationally. The day of reckoning is coming. No badge, no title and no political alliance will shield you from justice,” the joint statement said.

“We will publicise a list of shame and ask the public to share any information on businesses affiliated to this list of shame.”

The opposition also asked Kenyans to reject any events or forums organised by those who defend state violence.

“We cannot continue like it is business as usual. Too much blood has been spilled with zero accountability,” Kituyi said.

The leaders spoke a day after the deadly protests that saw an unprecedented road blockade keeping motorists and Kenyans from accessing Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

Earlier, MPs led by John Kaguchia (Mukurweini), Jane Kihara (Naivasha) and Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North) claimed the goons were procured by lawmakers loyal to Ruto.

“The government deployed these goons past midnight and then roadblocks were mounted by the police. In non-opposition zones, to some extent, demonstrations were peaceful and there was no looting or destruction of property because the government did not plan and deploy goons,” Ngogoyo said.

“This points to a clear plan of economic sabotage and purge on people.”

The lawmakers have asked the international community to take note of the happenings in the country to take action against Ruto.