Recent acts of hooliganism must be condemned — Keynan

Eldas MP Adan Keynan speaking during the launch of a water project in Baraquqay, Eldas/FILE

Eldas MP Adan Keynan on Monday added his voice to the condemnation of last week’s violent protests saying recent acts of hooliganism, wanton destruction of property, must be condemned unequivocally.

Keynan said rights to freedom of assembly and expression must not be abused, adding that grievances must be addressed through lawful and constructive means, not through destruction and disorder.

Speaking during the launch of a water project in Baraquqay, Eldas constituency, Keynan said the demonstrations that led to looting, destruction of property and lawlessness must be condemned by all right thinking Kenyans.

Last week, demonstrations occurred across major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, Eldoret, Nakuru and Kisii. However towns in the Northeastern remained calm.

The protests were largely youth-led.

Keynan said the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental pillars of our democracy, these rights must be exercised responsibly.

He urged the youth not to accept anyone to use their energy, dreams and frustrations to destabilise the country.

“The recent acts of hooliganism, wanton destruction of property and unchecked lawlessness witnessed during the demonstrations are not only deeply regrettable, they are unacceptable and must be condemned,” he said.

Keynan said while the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental pillars of the country’s democracy, the rights must be exercised responsibly, within the confines of the law, and with respect for the rights and safety of others.

“While the constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and protest, this right does not extend to anarchy, economic sabotage, or the destabilisation of public order. The calculated targeting of both public infrastructure and private enterprise was a blatant affront to the rule of law and a grave threat to the social fabric that binds us as a nation,” he said.

“We must reject the normalisation of violence as a means of expression and recommit to dialogue, reason and responsible civic engagement. I call upon all citizens and particularly our young people, to be the guardians of our nation’s peace and progress,” added the MP.

Last week, President William Ruto ordered the Inspector General of Police to launch immediate and decisive investigations into the recent wave of violence, looting, and destruction that targeted traders during Wednesday's protests.

The President expressed regret over the loss of lives and destruction of property.

He lamented that hardworking Kenyans, especially small-scale traders, were the biggest victims.