President Uhuru rubbishes UDA’s assertions of ‘State sponsored violence’
President Uhuru Kenyatta has rubbished United Democratic Alliance (UDA) allied to Deputy President William Ruto assertions that they are being targeted by state agencies to suppress them politically.
He urged police not to be intimidated by anyone especially politicians, implore upon them undertake duties boldly.
He reminded the police to execute their constitutional mandate of safeguarding the wellbeing of Kenyans and their property without “fear, favour or intimidation from any quarters”.
UDA had petitioned the President following their chaotic Jacaranda rally in Nairobi alleging police brutality.
“A gang of rowdy goons chanting “ODM”, “Raila” and “Azimio” slogans violently attacked people who had turned up to listen to Deputy President who was touring the area. Their attempt to disrupt the event failed, but the apprehension, injury and alarm caused to innocent members of the public cannot and must not be overlooked,” read part of the letter.
“It has become abundantly clear that the goons were encouraged and facilitated to prevent the event from taking place in keeping with firm bedroom policy of using violence… This disastrous practice is an official policy in ODM and has been implemented over the years to suppress democratic competition, at horrendous cost to innocent Kenyans,” added the letter.
They also copied Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) alleging political persecution.
According to the party, in the handshake era, ODM’s bedroom policy and the use of violence to advance political strategies appear to receive tacit official support
They claim that up to date over 10 major criminal incidents of violent disruption have taken place.
They accused the police Inspector General of ignoring calls for probe stating that out of those violent disruption, at least six have been brought to the attention of the IG of police but have all gone unattended by his office.
However, the National Police Service (NPS) said none of the allegations listed in the said letter have been formally reported to the NPS.
“The allegations are utterly baseless and false in nature and are maliciously intended to injure the reputation of the NPS and its officers,” he said.
NPS spokesperson Bruno Shioso stated that the allegations form a sustained and regrettable streak of unfounded, outrageous, and provocative allegations by the leadership of the party.
“The National Police Service is a professional institution that is committed to the rule of law and upholding of laid out protocols that guide the conduct of political rallies and other public events. These guidelines will continue to be upheld fairly, firmly, and robustly without favours or exceptions,” he indicated.
On Tuesday, the United Kingdom appealed to Kenyans to maintain peace as the country gears towards the general election.
Speaking at an exclusive interview, UK Minister for Africa Vicky Ford said her country considers Kenya as a vital friend and is closely monitoring the political temperature.
”It is my hope and appeals that Kenya maintains the current peace. We do not want to witness violence witnessed in Ethiopia and South Sudan. Women and children always carry the heaviest burden,” Ford said.
She called on the political class to act with decorum as they go about their campaigns to avert any clash that may add to the already volatile social-economic environment brought about by Covid-19.
