Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has urged Kenyans to uphold peace during the Saba Saba Day demonstrations slated for Monday, July 7.
In a statement on Saturday, July 5, Kinyanjui warned that violence and destruction of property undermine the constitution, which protects the right to demonstrate.
“If we want to protect the right to picket, we must also respect other provisions in the same Constitution.
“Damage to property and loss of life are unacceptable. They negate the very Constitution that protects the right to protest,” read the statement in part.
The Trade CS also warned that the protests might be hijacked by criminal elements leading to looting, violence, and causing fear among business owners.
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CS Kinyanjui pointed out that the shutdown of businesses to accommodate protests makes Kenya an unfavorable place for investors.
“The exercise of this right must not be hijacked by criminal elements, but unfortunately, this has become a trend. Business owners live in fear of victimization and the potential for violence,” said the Trade CS.
“The cost of shutting down businesses for days to accommodate protests makes Kenya seem unreliable and a dangerous place to invest in. I doubt any right-thinking Kenyan would advocate for such outcomes.”
Further CS Kinyanjui called on Kenyans to reflect on the broader consequences of holding the protests saying it could harm the country.
“Let us take a deep breath and reflect on the consequences of our actions, both current and future, and refrain from actions that are divisive and potentially dangerous. We must halt the race to the bottom. It pulls the whole nation down,” he added.
Kinyanjui’s statement comes as Kenyans are planning to commemorate the Saba Saba Day on Monday.
Saba Saba marks the anniversary of the July 7, 1990, protests that challenged the single-party rule under the late President Daniel Arap Moi.
