Perpetrators of violence during protests must face justice – Wetang’ula
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has called on authorities to bring to book those who orchestrated and participated in violent protests that left a trail of destruction saying justice must be served.
Speaking in Samburu county, the Speaker noted that while the law provided for freedom to picket and assemble, it however did not support human rights violations and looting as was witnessed in the last phase of protests.
“Everyone has a right to picket and present petitions to government agencies such as Parliament and demand for action on the issues they have, but there is no law that allows violent protests that result in destruction of property, sexual assault, looting, assault on uniformed officers on duty and killing, we condemn those who called for demonstrations and those who participated in the violent protests face the full force of the law” he said
The Speaker particularly enraged by the violence metted on a female police officer saying it was unfortunate that humanity had lost its meaning.
“We saw some of the demonstrators attack a female police officer, beating her up and stepped on her head, the policewoman is a fellow Kenyan, she is somebody’s child, sister or mother, we must have respect for everyone,” the Speaker added.
In light of the sharp exchanges by the political class as jostling ahead of the next general election gains momentum, the Speaker encouraged fellow leaders not to use their ambitions to fuel division among the people rather sell their ideas.
“The opposition are not enemies, there is just a difference of opinion” going to further state that
“We have seen some very angry leaders, I want to tell them, no one has a right to any seat, the power is with the people, we are holding the positions in trust of the people that put us there even I am Speaker because MPs elected me, leaders should know that when given an opportunity to lead, lead with respect and grace.”
On the heavy criticism levelled against H.E President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration over what has termed as slow implementation of campaign pledges, I called for patience enumerating some of the steps already taken to improve the livelihoods of the people.
“People are judging our President very harshly, you are farmers hasn’t the price of fertilizer gone down? We must give him time he has barely been in office for three years. Pray for our President and our entire leadership” he said.
Speaking in two separate functions in Samburu North and Samburu West constituencies where he presided over fundraisers aimed at supporting Church initiatives, the Speaker encouraged the people of Samburu and the larger Rift Valley region to embrace peace if they are to experience progress saying peace was not an option but a necessity.
“Without peace and security we cannot have development, schools cannot operate and businesses cannot thrive, it is matter that must be taken seriously,” he said.
The Speaker in response to a plea made by representatives of the County assembly and area MP Hon. Naisula Lesuuda to hasten the process of establishing an additional sub county, make bring administrative units closer thereby enhanced security said this was on his tray.
“I want to work and ensure that within a month, we will have operationalized the sub county so that you have peace. This is an extremely fertile area, you need to have peace so that you can contribute to feeding the nation,” he stated.
The Speaker urged the people to support the Kenya Kwanza Administrations bid to unite the country and bring about transformative development.