Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Tourism Alfred Mutua has expressed strong disapproval of the violent turn of recent Occupy Parliament protests that left a senior police officer severely injured.
Speaking during the National Wildlife Census launch in Narok, on June 19, 2024, Mutua blamed protestors for the bloodshed by the officer who sustained injuries from a teargas canister that exploded on him during the peaceful demonstrations against the Finance Bill, 2024.
“Huyo askari amepoteza mikono, hiyo damu yake imemwagika is on you who were demonstrating and causing violence. It is your right to demonstrate but the violence is not allowed,” Mutua remarked.
Mutua urged Kenyans to treat law enforcement officers with care and respect, reminding the public that officers are also human beings deserving of dignity.
“Police officers are human beings they feel the pain, they feel the sorrow and they are working, wewe uko kazini. At times we talk to the police officers as if they are not important but they are people. Unatukana polisi na usiku ukivamiwa mru wa kwanza kupigia ni polisi akuje akuokoe ukiwa chini ya kitanda na unataka yeye akuje akuokoe.
While acknowledging the right to protest, he stressed that it should not lead to violence or endanger lives. Mutua called for responsible and non-violent protest actions to uphold the rights of citizens while maintaining public safety and order.
CS Alfred on peaceful protest
Further, the CS emphasized that the current government was committed to peace and the welfare of Kenyans, suggesting that any proposed measures were intended for the country’s benefit.
“As a country we have to question how we are processing information and how we are moving forward. This government of President William Ruto is peaceful, sisi ni watu wa mungu. We do not want to hurt Kenyans and we are trying to do the best for this country.
“So all this propaganda, all this activism by young people, being propelled by propaganda should look at the facts and should not get caught up in activism and violence that leads to bloodshed,” Mutua added.
Drawing a comparison with other nations, Mutua pointed out that protests in other countries, despite concerns over financial bills, do not escalate to the extent of causing harm to officers.
“Are these demonstrations and all this fighting with the police, are they worth it really when you talk about the finance bill? Tanzania, Uganda, France and all countries have their own versions of finance bills, but do people go there and say iishe, do they insult people, do they break and cut ofdd arms of police officer officers? Polisi ni watu pia, they are people,” Mutua added.
Cops injured in tear gas explosion
Two officers, Chief Inspector David Maina and another identified as Corporal Moraa were among the officers deployed to contain the Occupy Parliament protesters.
The teargas canister explosion accidentally happened after the senior police officer failed to release a detonated canister, costing him two hands.
The female officer, Corporal Moraa sustained serious chest injuries. Both officers were taken to Nairobi West Hospital, where they are currently recuperating.
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