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Leader of Majority Party in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah has condemned the recent wave of violent protests across the country, warning that the growing trend of citizens confronting and taunting police officers is a dangerous path that could plunge the nation into chaos.
Speaking on the floor of the House on Tuesday when the House approved nominees to the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), Ichung’wah acknowledged the need for police culpability but cautioned against blanket condemnation of the entire force, noting that only a few officers may have acted outside the law.
“Even as we condemn the excesses of a number of officers, because it is not all officers—it is only a few let us remember that in every institution, including this House, we have our shortcomings,” he said.
“The law must be allowed to take its course. But that must never be justification for members of the public to take the law into their own hands. That path leads only to disaster and chaos in our country.”
Ichung’wah recounted recent scenes of unrest, particularly an incident in Nakuru where a protester was seen brandishing a machete at an armed police officer.
He praised the officer for maintaining restraint in the face of provocation, saying his composure potentially saved lives.
“That is the kind of spirit we want to see in our law enforcement officers. But we must also speak to our people. Let us treat our police officers, both men and women, with the respect, honor, and dignity they deserve,” Ichung’wah appealed.
The Majority Leader lamented the erosion of respect for law enforcement, warning that withdrawing the police even for a day would expose the country to unchecked lawlessness.
“If you want to know the cost of chaos, withdraw police from the streets for just one day and allow everyone to roam freely. Whether they are picketing, demonstrating, or mobilizing looters, as we have seen in recent days, an ungoverned environment breeds violence.”
He accused unnamed leaders of organizing and funding what he described as “groups of goons,” dismissing claims that vehicles torched during the protests were not listed in the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) database.
“I was shocked to hear a certain leader claim that the vehicles that were burned were not in the NTSA register. That is not only misleading—it is shameful,” Ichung’wah said.
“It took me five minutes to verify the number plates. One of those vehicles belonged to a security company escorting high-value cargo. The officers were armed and acted lawfully when they fired in the air to disperse the crowd.”
The Majority Leader also took aim at former Vice- President Kalonzo Musyoka, accusing him of inciting the public through vernacular radio without backing his claims with evidence.
“If you lack the decency to support your allegations with facts, then you continue to demonstrate the same ignorance that defined your time in office,” he said.
Ichung’wah called for decorum during public demonstrations and respect for private property, particularly businesses that have borne the brunt of looting and destruction.
“Let us conduct ourselves with dignity, whether picketing, protesting, or airing grievances. Let us not provoke our officers. Let us also not provoke business owners in our towns and cities, especially in the CBD, who often suffer immense losses.”
He also criticized leaders who have failed to show empathy following the death of Zachariah Tum, a young man from Homa Bay who was killed during recent unrest.
“Some haven’t even had the courtesy to say pole to the family of Albert Ojwang’. Yet these same people now want to exploit his name for political mileage and chaos. That is unacceptable.”
