Police Forces Sent 20 MPs’ Rural Homes Amidst Anti-Tax Attacks
Police authorities have ordered the deployment of armed officers to some Members of Parliament’s rural homes following unprecedented mob attacks during anti-tax demonstrations.
This came after up to 20 MPs reported that their homes had been attacked by mobs amid the chaos.
Some lost property to the attackers, while others had their valuables saved.
MPs are now living in fear, and those who have managed to visit rural homes are accompanied by heavily armed police officers.
They still fear being attacked by angry goons or their constituents.
Police commanders say they are facing a high demand for security at the rural homes of MPs, particularly those who voted in support of the Finance Bill 2024.
“We do not know how it will end because the MPs are demanding more and more security. This is also because we do not know how these demos or demands will end,” said one officer who asked not to be named.
Aside from the homes, the demonstrators targeted the National Government Constituency Development Fund offices. This is where most MPs have their offices.
“From Gilgil, Meru, Molo, Bungoma, Kisii, Kilifi, Central Kenya at large and even Nairobi, things are thick. We need to have a conversation on the way forward,” said another officer.
Apart from the homes, the groups targeted businesses associated with the leaders.
Officials said there are fears of more attacks, which has led to a demand for increased security.
Officials say some MPs are now avoiding their rural homes for fear of being attacked.
For example, police were called to Sirisia Member of Parliament John Waluke’s rural home after a group attacked and attempted to burn it down.
This was linked to anti-tax protests that occurred throughout the country.
Waluke wasn’t home when the incident occurred on Wednesday morning.
A guard at the home informed police that an unknown number of people had raided and attacked it.
The group poured petrol around the compound and attempted to burn down the house.
However, when the watchman screamed for help, the suspected arsonists fled.
Minutes later, police arrived on the scene and announced that they had recovered a plastic bottle used by the group to transport the petrol for the mission.
Police said they recovered a green rope and a hat from the scene. No arrests have been made thus far.
Tensions remained high in the area, with fears of further planned attacks.
The MP’s home is one of dozens targeted because they support the Finance Bill 2024.
This caused a strain on the country’s police services. Several Members of Parliament’s homes were attacked and vandalized in response to their decision to vote for the Bill.
President William Ruto later declined to sign the bill leaving MPs embarrassed.
This followed persistent protests by Kenyans opposed to the proposed taxes.
At least 15 people were killed in the protests, which prompted Parliament to invade. The property was destroyed during the chaos.
Police Forces Sent 20 MPs’ Rural Homes Amidst Anti-Tax Attacks
