Embu: Leaders from Mbeere South Constituency, Embu County, have condemned the destruction of property and disruption of businesses that occurred during demonstrations on Thursday at Kiritiri Town. The protests were organized by traders who claimed that the County Government had not fulfilled its promises regarding development projects.
According to Kenya News Agency, the traders felt discriminated against by Governor Cecily Mbarire’s administration in terms of development, despite generating significant revenue for the county. What began as peaceful demonstrations turned chaotic, prompting anti-riot police to intervene to restore order. However, they were overwhelmed, resulting in the destruction of property, including constituency NG-CDF offices and a Land Cruiser, which were pelted with stones.
The traders distanced themselves from the chaos, asserting that their peaceful demonstrations were infiltrated by individuals intent on causing destruction and looting. Senator Alexander Mundigi, leading the condemnation, stated that while it is a constitutional right to demonstrate, invading and destroying property or disrupting lives is illegal. He emphasized the importance of exercising the right to demonstrate within boundaries that respect others’ rights during a funeral service in the area.
Senator Mundigi reminded the people of Embu about the massive destruction during last year’s anti-finance bill protests, which saw the Governor’s offices torched and still unrepaired. He cautioned against destroying what had taken years to build in the name of demonstrations.
County Assembly Minority Leader and Mavuria Ward MCA Ngari Mbaka criticized the demonstrators for turning a legitimate demand for development into chaos. He urged locals to use their elected leaders or representatives to address grievances with relevant authorities instead of resorting to protests that often become destructive.
Meanwhile, Kiritiri Livestock Wholesalers Chair Joseph Murithi maintained that their peaceful demonstrations were hijacked by looters. He insisted that the protests were a result of the County Government’s failure to listen to their concerns.