Gachagua, Kalonzo call out Ruto over shooting of hawker by police during protest
Former DP questioned why police officers have been obsessed with the killing of young people peacefully protesting.
Democracy for Citizens Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua and his Wiper Party Counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka have called out President William Ruto after a police officer shot a hawker selling masks yesterday in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) during protests over the killing of teacher and blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang while in police custody.
In his statement, the former Deputy President questioned the logic behind the police’s actions, describing the incident as another example of state brutality.
“I had clearly warned of a plan by the President and the Governor of Nairobi County and other state machinery of their plans to unleash police brutality and thugs in police escort to kill our young people today. This has come to pass,” Gachagua stated.
He questioned why police officers have been obsessed with the killing of young people peacefully protesting.
Gachagua went on to accuse the government of orchestrating violence against peaceful protesters.
“What is this obsession with the regime with the blood of young people? Why do you continue to paint our country with innocent blood? Who of those criminals who meted out violence on Kenyans today have been arrested?” the former DP questioned.
On his part, Kalonzo took issue with Ruto following the violence carried out by hired goons during the protests, terming it as state-sponsored terrorism.
“How much more blood, Mr President, do you need to leave the GenZs alone? What apology of the GenZs and Albert Ojwang’s father were you asking for? I urged you to put an end to state-sponsored terrorism against Kenyans. Instead, your goons, hired by Governor Sakaja, terrorized and brutalized innocent Kenyans peacefully protesting the extrajudicial murder of Albert Ojwang on the streets of Nairobi, under your direction and police protection,” Kalonzo stated.
The statements by the two leaders came even as the National Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, yesterday, confirmed that the police officer who was involved in the shooting has since been arrested.
In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) said the Inspector-General of Police ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officer involved.
“The National Police Service (NPS) has noted with great concern an incident involving the shooting of an unarmed civilian by a police officer using an anti-riot shotgun, within the Nairobi CBD. Following this incident, the Inspector-General National Police Service ordered the immediate arrest and arraignment in court of the involved officer. The said police officer has since been arrested,” Muchiri said.
NPS confirmed that the victim was rushed to the hospital and is currently receiving medical treatment.
