Kapseret
MP Oscar Sudi has urged Kenyans, especially Gen Z, to stop violently
confronting armed police officers during protests.
Sudi
said such behaviour undermines and demeans the officers.
He
said police officers are also human beings employed to protect all Kenyans, and
it was wrong to publicly disrespect and belittle their work.
The
MP condemned the recent death of blogger Albert Ojwang at Central Police
Station, which sparked public outrage, and said those responsible must be held
accountable.
However,
he noted that the killing should not be used as a reason for protesters to
confront police officers on duty or attempt to snatch firearms from them.
“We
are asking our young people to respect our officers because they are also our
sons, brothers, and sisters. Let’s not go to the extent of even trying to snatch
guns from them,” Sudi said.
He
was speaking in Kapseret constituency, where he distributed cheques worth Sh4.6
million to Uwezo Groups.
Sudi
warned that lack of order and respect could lead to chaos, saying it is
impossible for the country to function without security officers.
“We
all depend on these officers for security, and we should work with them instead
of targeting them because of mistakes by a few individuals,” he said.
He
called for stronger legislation to protect police officers from attacks by
rogue members of the public.
“I
was in one of the neighbouring countries and they were asking me if we have
laws in our country. They are seeing the confusion and the disrespect we have
all over,” Sudi said.
He
added that a civilised society must be governed by laws and mutual respect.
At
the same time, Sudi criticised those targeting Deputy Inspector General Eliud
Lagat before investigations into Ojwang’s death are concluded.
He
said that even though Lagat was the complainant in the case that led to
Ojwang’s arrest, it does not mean he is directly responsible for the blogger’s
death.
“Investigations
will tell us the truth, and if Lagat is found to have been involved, then he will
be taken to court,” he said.
Sudi
claimed many of those calling for Lagat’s dismissal were doing so out of hatred
and personal vendettas.
“We
don’t need to hate each other or politicise issues that are clearly outlined in
law,” he said.
