No protester has been killed by police CS Matiangi

No protester has been killed by police  CS Matiangi

The government has denied reports of police using excessive force including shooting at protesters who are demonstrating the declaration of Uhuru Kenyatta as the President-elect by the electoral body.

Addressing the press at his Harambee House office in Nairobi, the Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, dismissed reports that two people had been shot dead and several others injured by police during the demonstrations.

The CS, however, noted that there have been cases of unrest in parts of Mathare and Kibra in Nairobi and parts of Kisumu County with a section of residents protesting the declaration of Uhuru Kenyatta as the winner of the Tuesday, August 8 presidential election.

Kenyatta floored his closest challenger, Raila Odinga, by garnering 8,203,290 (54.27%) votes against his (Odinga) 6,762,224 (44.74%) votes.

Matiang’i said that some criminal elements have infiltrated the demonstrations and are looting and destroying property. He warned that the government will not tolerate any looting, destruction of property or threat to life.

Noting that every citizen has a right to picket according to the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the CS warned that such rights should be exercised with caution and without infringing on the rights of other citizens.

“The government will stop at nothing to protect the lives of citizens and their property,” noted the CS.

The CS also lauded the media for being objective in the reporting but warned some social media users against misusing the platforms. He noted that some social media users have been posting messages that border hate speech or deemed inflammatory, further confirming arrest of users misusing the platforms.

“Media should always conduct itself lawfully and truthfully,” noted Matiang’i.

“There has been an increase in number of inflammatory and inciting messages on Social Media. Remember that we have a law governing the use of Social Media.”

“This morning I can confirm arrest of some social media users for abusing the platforms and spreading hatred and inflammatory messages,” noted the CS.

Matiang’i says the government is committed to maintaining law and order and protecting the lives of its citizenry.

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories