The government has issued a warning to opposition leaders against taking advantage of recent protests to incite the public or gain political mileage.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 18, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura urged leaders to embrace national unity and responsibility following Tuesday’s protests that turned chaotic.
"The government cautions political detractors against exploiting the situation for incitement and/or political mileage.
"At such a time, settling political scores at the expense of public peace is not only irresponsible but also dangerous. True leadership demands responsibility and commitment to GOD and the country," he said.
At the same time, Mwaura appealed for restraint from both citizens and security agencies, further reiterating the government's commitment to upholding the Constitution.
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"In light of recent events involving confrontations between the police and members of the public, the Government calls for sobriety, calm and restraint.
"We are a nation guided by the Constitution, which enshrines the right to peaceful assembly and expression, rights that must be exercised responsibly," he added.
Mwaura further called on Parliament to enact laws that will clearly define and safeguard the right to picket, while minimizing disruption to public life.
"To this end, Parliament is encouraged to put in place an enabling legislation that safeguards the right to picket in a peaceable manner by designating public spaces for such endeavours, while ensuring that other citizens can go about their lawful business without obstruction,” he further said.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that at least 22 people sustained injuries during the protests.
The injuries were recorded from Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties.
In a statement, the commission disclosed that one of the victims was the hawker who was shot at close range by police in Nairobi’s CBD.
"The Commission has recorded twenty-two (22) casualties, including the shooting, by police, of a peaceful civilian who was shot at close range in Nairobi CBD and is currently (as at 1900hrs) in critical condition at the Kenyatta National Hospital," the statement said.
Other injuries reported include gunshot wounds, head cuts, whip lashes, blunt trauma, and asthma attacks due to tear gas exposure.
