CS Kindiki giving a statement today September 26, 2024
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki appeared before the National Assembly Security Council today.
He defended the government’s actions during the recent protests led by Generation Z activists. Kindiki disputed the death toll reported by human rights groups.
“We have documented 42 deaths,” he said. “I request 24 hours to provide supplementary information on the other 12 cases. The government has nothing to hide. If any officers are culpable, we will ensure justice is served”
Protester shot during the Antifinance Bill demos
The protests, initially against the Finance Bill 2024, had resulted in violence.
Kindiki justified the police’s actions, stating, “The fact that someone was shot near police does not mean it was a police officer who fired. We had to use force to protect constitutional institutions Parliament, the Judiciary, and the Executive.”
He added, “Had we failed to act, the country would not be the same today”.
Kindiki highlighted that the protests posed a significant threat. “If we allow national institutions to fall, we have no country left,” he emphasized. The protests, which saw demonstrators attempting to breach Parliament, led to widespread arrests.
At least 312 people were detained, and several went missing during the unrest.
Kindiki also addressed claims of enforced disappearances and abductions. “This administration does not condone abductions or extra-judicial killings,” he affirmed.
“No evidence has been presented to link security officers to enforced disappearances. It is unfair to accuse the government without proof”.
The rights groups, including Amnesty International, accused the government of using excessive force.
They reported that police fired live ammunition, tear gas, and used water cannons against peaceful protesters. However, Kindiki defended the police, asserting that the use of force was necessary to maintain order during the protest.
