His Blood Is On You – Tourism CS Mutua To The Finance Bill Protestors After Police Loses Both Hands
Dr. Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, has condemned recent protests against the Finance Bill 2024, citing the violence that left a senior police officer seriously injured.
Mutua expressed concern about the “Occupy Parliament” demonstration in Nairobi, which resulted in Chief Inspector David Karuri Maina losing both arms.
Mutua, visibly moved, described Maina’s injuries as life-altering and pleaded for an end to what he called unjustified activism and violence.
“We have a police officer who has lost both of his arms, today he is disabled. That man is a son, a husband, and a father he has been disabled in the line of duty by demonstrators. To those young girls and boys demonstrating, how do you feel that that man is disabled?” questioned Mutua.
“My beautiful young people who are being driven by propaganda, look at the facts, don’t get involved in activism and violence that leads to bloodshed. That officer who lost his hands, his blood is on you,” Mutua added.
The Tourism CS pledged financial support, announcing a Ksh1 million donation alongside Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu to help the officer recover and support his family.
Mutua expressed further disappointment with those who opposed the Finance Bill, stating that the legislation had been thoroughly reviewed and amended based on public feedback.
“Taking to the streets is uncalled for since these demands have been met,” he asserted, urging Kenyans to accept the economic realities necessitating such fiscal measures.
Despite the constitutional right to protest, Mutua warned against actions motivated solely by activism, emphasizing the importance of lawful participation for national progress.
He expressed concern about escalating disrespect toward law enforcement officers, emphasizing their critical role in maintaining order and responding to public safety.
Protests in Nairobi erupted, with over 200 demonstrators arrested after clashes with police.
Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei confirmed the arrests, citing a lack of prior police approval for the protests, which resulted in the use of tear gas to disperse the crowds.
The demonstrations, which were primarily motivated by opposition to proposed tax increases in the Finance Bill, sparked widespread debate and engagement across civil society.
The Law Society of Kenya’s President, Faith Odhiambo, criticized police actions, alleging that tear gas was used on lawyers attempting to access clients detained during protests.
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has hinted at further protests if the Finance Bill passes in its current form.
His Blood Is On You – Tourism CS Mutua To The Finance Bill Protestors After Police Loses Both Hands
