Wetang’ula castigates religious leaders’ silence on violence that marked protests
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has castigated religious leaders and the diplomatic corps over what he terms their silence to address the violence that marked protests in a section of the country.
Speaking on Friday, June 27, 2025, during an empowerment drive in Likuyani in Kakamega County, Wetang’ula said that the rights to picket must not be at the expense of other people’s rights.
You might also like
“I called out members of the clergy and the diplomatic corps for their silence over the violence, looting, property destruction, and sexual assaults committed during the recent Gen Z demonstrations, “Wetang’ula noted in a statement after the ceremony.
Silence in the aftermath
“I questioned why those who strongly advocated for the protests have remained silent now that the aftermath has caused pain, destruction, insecurity, and division across the country. I asked whether the destruction and criminal acts witnessed are what they intended when they pushed for the demonstrations to proceed.”
He observed that protesters in the countries that called on the government to allow demonstrations would face the law when they destroyed property, yet the envoys were silent.
“I reminded some envoys that even in countries like the U.S., protestors who destroy property face arrest and prosecution—yet here, their silence is deafening. I urged both the clergy and diplomats to also condemn such acts of lawlessness,” Wetang’ula said.
Fast-track investigations
Wetang’ula equally called for speedy investigations to bring those involved in the protest to book, stating that committing violence in the guise of protest was a criminal offence.
“I joined other leaders in calling on security agencies to fast-track investigations and bring all culprits to book. Looting and destroying property under the guise of protest is a criminal offence, and the police must act decisively,” his statement reads in part.
President William Ruto has already directed the Inspector General of Police to investigate and bring those involved in the violence and destruction of property to book.
“I expect the IG of police and all relevant police agencies to conduct immediate, thorough, and speedy investigations; the perpetrators of this violence and looting must be identified and prosecuted to the full extent of the law swiftly and decisively,” he stated.
