NMG columnist Macharia Gaitho has blasted Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over what he termed as reckless and dangerous remarks in response to recent nationwide protests.
Gaitho said the government must stop issuing threats and instead focus on investigating the killings of at least 16 people during last week’s Gen Z-led demonstrations.
In a strongly worded piece, Gaitho called out senior government officials including Murkomen, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah for what he described as inflammatory rhetoric that has worsened an already tense situation.
He said such leaders are repeating mistakes made during previous regimes by branding protesters as enemies rather than listening to their grievances.
Gaitho took particular issue with remarks by CS Murkomen that were widely interpreted as a shoot on sight directive.
NMG Columnist Macharia Gaitho
He said Murkomen’s statements only added fuel to the fire and painted a dangerous picture of a government celebrating the use of lethal force against unarmed citizens. He said no amount of clarification can undo the damage caused by those words.
The columnist urged police officers to remember that they are not bound to obey illegal orders. He said recent developments have shown that when police officers carry out illegal actions under political instructions they are often left to face the consequences alone. He reminded them that when things go wrong political leaders disappear and officers are left to answer in court.
Gaitho also called on the government to launch an independent investigation into the killings and violence that rocked the country last week. He said those responsible for attacks on citizens including protesters and police should be identified and prosecuted through lawful processes.
He added that if there is credible evidence that opposition leaders such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua sponsored acts of violence then they too must face the law. However he cautioned that such actions must come from independent institutions and not from political pressure.
Gaitho warned that government leaders must stop competing in issuing harsh statements and instead focus on restoring calm and upholding the Constitution.
