The Kenya Kwanza government now wants opposition leader Raila Odinga punished for holding demonstrations.
Raila on Monday, March 20, led his supporters across the country in protesting against President William Ruto and his government.
During the protests, several Kenyans were injured and one University student was fatally shot dead in what Raila allies accused police officers of using excessive force to contain the protestors.
As such, President William Ruto’s government wants the international community to sanction the opposition chief.
Through the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, the government in a statement accused Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader, Raila Odinga, of committing atrocities through demonstrations and mobilizing his supporters to circumvent the law.
“The Government urges the international community to be vigilant in supporting the sanctioning of any conduct adverse to the peace and security of the country,” Alfred Mutua said.
In the letter addressed to all Diplomatic Missions, United Nations Agencies, and International Organizations based in Kenya, Mutua pleaded with the international community to be vigilant and support government measures in containing the unrest.
The government further asked the international community to hold Raila accountable for any crimes that might be committed under the guise of protests.
“In line with the importance of holding those responsible for any crimes that may be committed under the guise of protests and ensuring no impunity is encouraged,” the statement added.
Raila’s Monday, March 20, protests happened after the lapse of the 14-day ultimatum the veteran politician had given to President William Ruto.
Among the reasons for the demos include the high cost of living and the new measures being taken to constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former Prime Minister was further demanding President William Ruto expedite the opening of the IEBC servers for the 2022 elections.
