‘I have forgiven all those who invaded my home, destroyed property’ – Kuria Kimani
By Ascah Mwango, July 27, 2024Molo MP and National Assembly Finance Committee chair Kuria Kimani has publicly forgiven those responsible for the attack on his property during the anti-government protests.
Kimani’s home was severely damaged, with cars destroyed, properties looted, and even animals stolen.
Addressing residents in Elburgon Town, Nakuru County on Saturday, July 27, 2024, Kimani urged law enforcement officers to drop the charges against the youths arrested and charged in connection to the crimes.
“I have forgiven all those who invaded my home, looted and destroyed my property including my farm,” Kimani stated.
Adding;
“I ask @DCI_Kenya and the police to withdraw charges against all the youth that were arrested and charged. Let them be released so that they can get back to work.”
Kuria Kimani’s home torched during the anti-government protests. PHOTO/Screengrab by K24 Digital
This act was part of widespread unrest driven by opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, which proposed controversial tax measures.
Kimani, other properties destroyed
During the recent anti-government protests in Kenya, vandalism occurred at various locations, including homes and businesses belonging to prominent figures.
Besides Kuria Kimani’s home being set ablaze, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi’s Timber XO nightclub in Eldoret was heavily vandalized, prompting him to suspend all development activities in his constituency.
The violence extended to Parliament and other public institutions.
Protesters overran Parliament, causing damage, including setting a section of the Senate and City Hall ablaze. Inside Parliament, chairs in the lounge area were turned upside-down, windows shattered, and walls destroyed.
Several protesters were shot in the fierce clash with the anti-riot police.
Businesses were also severely affected. In Kitengela, traders reported extensive losses due to looting and vandalism during the protests.
Shops were broken into, and public property was destroyed, including road blockages with burning tyres, which disrupted transportation and daily activities.
Parliament suffers Ksh94M in damages
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced that Gen Z protests caused Ksh94 million in damages.
Wetang’ula said the assessment, done by an insurance firm, revealed that television screens, furniture, equipment, and buildings were damaged.
Thousands of protesters breach security protocol to occupy Parliament on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. PHOTO/ @Mtito37/X
Fortunately, taxpayers will not bear the costs as the insurance company will cover the repairs and replacements.
“The damages caused as assessed by our insurer Ksh94 million. That is the damage we suffered. We had an insurance cover, so the company is taking steps. Work has started to restore the damaged buildings, furniture and TVs,” Wetang’ula said on Monday, July 22, 2024.