•Residents told to jealously protect property from those out to destroy them during the countrywide demonstrations.
•Dr Owili condemned those robbing and mugging residents and destroying property of the public.
Image: MAURICE ALAL
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili has called on residents to embrace peaceful demonstrations devoid of the destruction of property.
He asked residents to jealously protect public property from those out to destroy them during the countrywide demonstrations.
Dr Owili condemned those robbing and mugging residents and destroying the property of the public.
“It will be costly if we use money meant for other projects to repair the damage caused by violent protest,” he added.
He spoke on Wednesday during the World Water Day celebrations held at the Kajulu water catchment in Kisumu East.
Present were county executives Maryline Agwa (water), Salmon Orimba (Infrastructure), Kisumu water and sanitation company Managing director Thomas Odongo and USAID Western Kenya water project team leader Japheth Mbuvi.
Dr Owili reiterated that Governor Anyang Nyong’o fully supports peaceful demonstrations devoid of destruction and deaths.
“It has come to our attention that there are enemies amongst our supporters out to ruin the gains made in development in Kisumu. We must be careful and jealousy safeguard our property,” he said.
Dr Owili pointed out that hired goons have the sole motive of destroying the property of the people in Kisumu to portray Kisumu people as violent.
He termed the destruction of property as unfortunate and uncalled for and asked the police to do their work effectively.
During the protest on Monday, Sarova Imperial Hotel, Naivas supermarket, Quickmart supermarket and other premises were destroyed, with some window panes broken.
He said:
“It is the responsibility of the police to safeguard lives and people’s property and therefore they must do their job as required in the law.”
Owili said police should not only focus on protecting the statehouse while people’s lives and property are at risk.
“We want to see the same zeal witnessed in Nairobi to be applied in Kisumu to ensure those demonstrating in Kisumu are protected as well as property,” he said.
The police, Owili said, should ensure those with criminal motives are arrested and prosecuted.
Owili noted that Kenyans have the right to picket but should do so peacefully without engaging in destruction.
He said the Azimio brigade will continue to push for the rights and plights facing Kenyans.
Dr Owili said President William Ruto must lower the cost of living.
“It is the people who give power to an individual and it is them who can withdraw the same,” he said.
Ruto, he said, was chest-thumping based on his hardline stance which will massively cost the country.
“Azimio wants him to halt the process of selecting IEBC commissioners but he has refused to listen. He is chest-thumping leaving us with no option but to call for mass action,” Dr Owili said.
He supported the call for mass action announced by Azimio leader Raila Odinga to be held on Monday and Thursday every week.
“We want our supporters not to be cowardly as there was nothing that came with ease. The fight for democracy and freedom calls for sacrifice and commitment,” Owili said.