Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that four people died and at least 30 others were injured during anti-fuel protests that rocked several parts of the country on Monday.
Murkomen spoke at Harambee House on the evening of Monday, May 18, where he described the deaths unfortunate as he blamed political elements for the violence and mayhem that was witnessed in several counties, including Nairobi, Nakuru, Kajiado and Kakamega Counties.
The CS also divulged that in the wake of the protests, 348 suspects linked to the unrest had been arrested. He maintained that the government would firmly deal with those behind what he described as organised criminal activity disguised as demonstrations.
“Looting businesses and vandalising public property can in no way bring down oil prices. Disrupting transport and destroying livelihoods will only worsen the situation facing Kenyans,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen also disclosed that investigations were underway into several incidents witnessed during the protests, including the torching of UDA offices, the burning of trucks, attacks on civilians, and confrontations with police officers.
In one of the more sensational cases, a supermarket affiliated with a UDA-allied Member of Parliament was allegedly looted in Nakuru County. All this, according to Murkomen were deliberate and coordinated act of intimidation.
He went on, “We are witnessing a clear scheme where a section of the political class is organising gangs to spread terror, intimidate government supporters, and profile those with different political opinions,” he stated.
“I know the burning of UDA offices was politically sponsored, and the persons responsible will be held to account.”
Further, Murkomen confirmed that investigations were ongoing to establish the identities of criminals who attacked civilians, police officers, and businesses during the protests.
As far as transport disruptions were concerned, the CS announced that authorities had done their best to clear most of the roads which had been blocked by rogue protesters, including Thika Road, which was rendered impassable for most of Monday.
At the time of publication of this article, transport stakeholders were engaged in a meeting with the Treasury and the Transport Ministry to avert another crisis.
Earlier in the day, Matatu Owners Association (MOA), Albert Karakacha called on dialogue with the government, insisting the strike would persist untill their grievances on the soaring fuel prices were heard.