Kenya’s security will not be compromised, Mudavadi assures diplomats

The Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has written to diplomatic missions assuring them that the long-term security of the country will not be compromised.

The protests which were initiated by Gen Z against the Finance Bill 2024 entered the third week this week and have since turned violent.

Most urban areas are reporting looting and destruction of property following yesterday’s protests. In a statement, the Prime Cabinet Secretary said that radical groups have found ways of exploiting what he termed as loopholes within the genuine concerns raised by the protesters including.

Mudavadi further regretted the deaths of young people during the unrest.

“It is heartbreaking to note that several young people lost their lives during the public unrest. I can affirm this Administration’s stand and assurance that any death above zero is unacceptable and highly regrettable”.

He however condemned the violent riots noting that the situation had degenerated into a potent threat to national security.

“Last week, the situation degenerated into a potent threat to national security with targeted attacks on critical state institutions including Parliament, the Supreme Court of Kenya and the Office of the Governor of Nairobi County. Organized attacks targeting strategic institutions that represent democracy, law and order were evident” he said.

He said that the government has taken measures to contain the protests and ensure the safety and security of the public.

“I wish to assure you that Kenya’s long-term security will not be compromised and consequently, the Government has taken measures to contain protests that turn riotous and exceed the constitutionally permissible guardrails. The state will continue to protect the people, public institutions and private property within its territory” he said.

“As we continue to pursue the welfare of our people through international engagements, we remain committed to our national interests and mutually beneficial relations with all our partners. Let me conclude by appreciating your tireless support and call on your continued partnership as Kenya embarks on a national dialogue for economic and social transformation, sustainable peace and security” he noted.

Among the demands noted by the government and which were raised by Gen Z include; unemployment, high cost of living, perceived political neglect, limited opportunities and corruption.

While noting that the government acknowledges the legitimate concerns raised by Kenyan youth, Mudavadi said that Kenya is in a dilemma whether to service the crippling debt or serve the citizens’ concerns.

“Kenya like other developing states, finds itself on the horns of a dilemma; compelled to choose between servicing the debt or serving its people. The distressing global debt burden requires urgent reforms to the international financial systems to guarantee a prosperous future. His Excellency President William Ruto has unsurprisingly invested enormous time and energy advocating for reforms of the international financial architecture based on an appreciation of the risk that runaway debt portends particularly to Africa” he pointe out.

Mudavadi stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue to address concerns.

“The President has unequivocally expressed his readiness to engage and reason together with the young people in Kenya on a conducive platform, seeking convergence on the way forward concerning the country’s governance challenges, debt burden, economic shocks and political choices” he said.