Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has denounced the violence that erupted across various regions of the country amid public participation sessions concerning the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Sifuna’s comments follow incidents of chaos, particularly at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi, where discussions were temporarily halted due to disruptions.
The unrest began when activist George Morara, accompanied by supporters chanting “Ruto Must Go,” attempted to address the gathering.
“There is absolutely no reason for violence.
There can never be justification for violence against anyone.
Let everyone air their views unhindered, as democracy demands,” Sifuna stated.
He further criticized the scenes unfolding during the forums, declaring them shameful and urging for peaceful dialogue: “Ni maoni tu si vita!” (It’s just opinions, not war!)
At the Bomas, legislators overseeing the meeting, including Ruaraka MP T.J. Kajwang, called for calm, urging attendees to maintain order.
“Young men, please don’t disrupt this meeting,” Kajwang implored.
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi added, “You can’t come to a meeting and then disrupt it.
Everyone has an opinion.”
As the meeting continued, tensions escalated when a group of youths confronted Morara, leading to an outbreak of violence with chairs being thrown.
Morara fled amid the chaos, and despite attempts by the legislators to restore order, the situation deteriorated further.
Elachi reiterated the need for peace, stating, “Please stop the violence.
You can’t come to destroy a meeting.”
Eventually, Morara was escorted out as the crowd chanted, “Morara must go!”
Following the incident, Morara tweeted about his injuries and alleged attempts to silence his voice during the impeachment discussions.
“I was barred from entering Bomas at the gate. When I finally got in, I was denied the mic.
Chaos erupted. I am hurt.
Headed to the hospital.
I live to speak another day,” he wrote.
Similar disruptions occurred in Nakuru County, where local residents expressed their anger towards the exercise, forcing National Assembly clerks to leave the venue.
“No, this will not happen, just leave,” the unruly crowd shouted. Despite attempts by officials to calm the situation, their efforts were unsuccessful.
While violence marked some locations, the public participation exercise proceeded smoothly in other areas of the country.
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