Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has issued a stern call for law enforcement to bring to book all individuals responsible for violence and destruction witnessed during recent anti-government protests across the country.
Speaking during a public engagement in Samburu County, Wetang’ula decried acts of lawlessness, including the assault of a female police officer, looting, and attacks on security personnel, which he described as a dangerous deviation from the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“There is no law that permits protests which lead to sexual assault, looting, or the destruction of property,” Wetang’ula said. “We must draw a line between lawful dissent and criminality.”
His remarks follow a wave of demonstrations that have rocked various towns, some degenerating into chaos. While affirming the public’s right to demonstrate, the Speaker warned that democratic freedoms must not be misused to justify violence.
Wetang’ula expressed particular outrage over the brutal attack on a female officer, calling it inhumane and a sad reflection of societal breakdown.
“She was beaten and stepped on — a fellow Kenyan, someone’s daughter, sister, or mother. This is unacceptable. We must restore basic human decency, even in disagreement,” he said.
Beyond the protests, Wetang’ula took time to address emerging political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging both the opposition and government leaders to tone down rhetoric and focus on building unity and selling their vision to the electorate.
“The opposition is not the enemy — we simply differ in opinion. Let us compete on ideas, not insults,” he said, emphasizing that leadership is a public trust and not an entitlement.
Responding to criticism over President William Ruto’s delivery of campaign promises, Wetang’ula defended the administration’s record, citing progress in key sectors, such as the reduction in fertilizer prices for farmers.
“The President has been in office for less than three years. Development takes time. Let’s offer support and pray for those in leadership,” he concluded.
