Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has urged the police to protect property even as anti-government protests turned riotous with looters taking advantage of the crowds.
Amisi, who hinted at joining the protests on June 25, 2024, which resulted in the withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024, decried the destruction of property witnessed in the recent demos.
“Let’s stop it. We are now witnessing total anarchy. If government agencies are unable to protect businesses and properties just pay Genz via Mpesa they will do the work,” Amisi said.
Human Rights activist Boniface Mwangi on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, urged peaceful protesters to leave town after the demos were infiltrated by a group of individuals with a criminal motive.
“Good people, let’s go home. As usual, the government has let goons take over, loot, and burn property again. Those goons are getting state protection while peaceful protesters are being beaten, arrested, and even killed,” Mwangi observed.
Businesses were broken into along Moi Avenue even as police battled to manage the group who are reported to have harassed pedestrians and mugged others.
The Kenya National Human Rights Commission chairperson Roseline Odede remarked that the demos had been infiltrated by a different demographic and had turned violent.
Police promised to bring to book all criminals involved in the looting and vandalism of businesses, urging business owners to provide CCTV footage for analysis.
This comes after President Ruto called for the separation of criminals from the otherwise peaceful protesters to protect businesses and minimize violent confrontations with police officers.
Destruction of businesses
On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, a section of protesters in Mombasa vandalized Huduma Centre along the Posta area.
Another group also overturned and torched five cars after a businessman drew his gun to protect his restaurant from the marauding youth.
The youth vandalized the eatery before gaining entry and looting items from the establishment.
Police arrived at the scene when vehicles parked around the eatery were already set ablaze and dispersed the youth.
In the melee, two people were shot and injured. The two were admitted to a Mombasa hospital.
This comes after Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir called on the protesters to carry out peaceful demonstrations and refrain from acts of violence.
“Mimi niko na vijana wa Mombasa watu wajitokeze bila wanasiasa, wajitokeze wenyewe waweze kufanya maandamano ya amani ,” Nassir said. (I am in solidarity with the youth of Mombasa to turn up for peaceful protests without the influence of politicians and demonstrate peacefully.)