Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged the security agencies not to hurt Kenyans when they are out protesting.
According to Mudavadi, they are only exercising their constitutional rights.
In a video seen by the Star, the Prime CS also urged Kenyans to respect the rights of others when protesting.
He insisted that it is such respect that will make Kenya great and stamp its presence as a strong democratic state.
“Let us ponder and reflect on some of our actions, as we also ask the security agencies not to injure citizens when they express their constitutional right. We also, in equal measure, request the citizens, when you protest, please also respect the rights of others.
“It is that kind of respect for each other that will make Kenya great, that is the hallmark of civilised nations and democratic societies,” Mudavadi said.
He noted various incidents where businesses suffered losses as a result of destruction by unruly protesters.
One such business was the Meru Cooperative Society in Meru county.
“I know the Meru cooperative society suffered a serious hit because protesters decided they had an axe to grind with the government, but the Meru cooperative society became collateral.”
Mudavadi’s remarks come after President Ruto's directive to police on criminals who burn and loot businesses and people’s property.
Speaking in Kilimani during the inspection of an ongoing Police Housing project, Ruto said police should only shoot them on the legs, take them to the hospital and later arraign them to face the law.
He insisted that Kenyans want a peaceful environment where they can do business.
The President went on to say that he cannot accept a country where some people steal and destroy other people’s businesses.
Ruto, however, warned that police must not kill innocent civilians, but criminals must be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“We want peace in Kenya, people to do business. A person who is going to burn another person's business and property, such a person should be shot in the legs, taken to the hospital and then to court. They should not kill him, but they should shoot the legs. We cannot accept people who burn other people's property and business. Is there justice there? Police should not shoot citizens to kill, but the criminals should be dealt with.”
Ruto issued a stern warning to all leaders involved in sponsoring the recent protests that action will be taken against them.
“We are coming after you, you cannot sponsor violence in the Republic of Kenya and expect to go scot free,” he said.
