Violent protests that happened in some parts of the country on Wednesday have been condemned by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which accused organizers of hiding criminality behind the veil of constitutional rights.
In a statement released on Thursday, the party acknowledged the right of Kenyans to protest peacefully, but said the violent protests had crossed a line, citing destruction of property, looting, and reports of sexual assault during the unrest.
“This was not a human rights protest. What we witnessed was a coordinated attempt to destabilize the State under the guise of public dissent,” the statement read.
UDA claimed the violent protests were incited by individuals and amplified by sections of the mainstream media.
It praised police officers for acting with restraint, despite injuries sustained in confrontations with demonstrators.
The party also linked the unrest to efforts to sabotage President William Ruto’s inclusive development agenda, and warned that the government would take firm action against those found to have financed or organized the chaos.
“We will not allow criminals to exploit freedoms to attack livelihoods or tear the nation apart,” UDA said.
