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Sonko, Sakaja condemn Nasa demos in Nairobi


Top Jubilee leadership in Nairobi county has condemned the violence and unlawful behavior that has been on display by Nasa supporters during the anti-IEBC demonstrations.

Governor Mike Sonko and Senator Johnston Sakaja on Friday vowed not to allow the demos disrupt businesses in the city while at the same time supporting the imposed ban on the demos.

Speaking during the Annual General Meeting for LapTrust in KICC, Mr Sakaja said that the constitution gives the people the right to demonstrate as long as they are peaceful and don’t engage in unlawful acts.

He said that the same constitution guarantees Kenyans the right to earn a living, own property, carry out their business and protection from the government.

CARRY WEAPON

“The moment any of the demonstrators carry weapon – and we have seen them with stones, robbing and looting – we will not let them demonstrate,” said Mr Sakaja.

However, Sakaja urged the police not to use excessive force on the demonstrators.

He also said that he intends to table a bill in the parliament to allow for picketing in designated areas of the city’s CBD.

At the same time, through a statement, Governor Sonko said that it is illegal to destroy property and challenged security personnel not to relent in protecting property.

CRIMINALS

“I wish to take this early opportunity to condemn in the strongest possible terms possible and deeply regret the acts of hooliganism that have now overshadowed the efforts to engage in legitimate and lawful protest,” said Mr Sonko.

Mr Sonko said that the county and national governments are committed  to ensuring the safety and security of all Kenyans irrespective of political affiliation, religion or ethnicity.

“I note with great concern the looting and destruction of private property by the demonstrators where investors have lost properties to the tune of millions of shillings. Small scale traders within the CBD have also lost goods and properties while private citizens have had their vehicles smashed and burnt,” said Mr Sonko.

He blamed the criminal elements for taking advantage of the lawlessness to loot and destroy property.