By JANE WAITHIRA
Irungu Kang’ata has claimed that the chaos witnessed in Murang’a County during recent protests over hiked fuel prices may have been politically instigated.
The governor alleged that the individuals responsible for looting and destruction were not locals, suggesting the violence could have been organised.
He said the damage caused to businesses in the county was extensive and should not occur due to political differences.
“We have witnessed demonstrations in the county before, but never destruction of this magnitude. This is totally unacceptable,” Kang’ata said.
The governor called on security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure those responsible are prosecuted.
“I hear those involved in the looting are not locals, and therefore we need to know what their mission was and who sent them here,” he added.
Kang’ata said the destruction had dealt a major blow to traders and business owners struggling to earn a living.
“These businesses also employ people, and therefore they deserve protection,” he said.
The governor further announced that the county government would partially compensate affected traders using emergency funds.
“We will allocate part of the emergency kitty to support those whose businesses were looted and destroyed,” he stated.
Kang’ata also warned against targeting residents because of his political position.
“My political stand was my personal decision and should not be used in any way to punish the people of Murang’a,” he remarked.
At the same time, he cautioned political leaders against exploiting the fuel price debate to incite violence, terming such actions dangerous.
Murang’a was among the counties that experienced widespread destruction of property during the protests over increased fuel prices.
The business community has now suffered losses for the second time in less than a year following previous protests that also led to destruction of property worth millions of shillings.
Some residents claimed the violence was politically motivated and intended to portray the county negatively.
They alleged that groups responsible for the destruction had been brought into Murang’a from outside the county.
“These people are not known to us and it is clear they came with the intention of looting and destroying businesses because locals cannot do that,” said George Gathuru.
“We also do not understand why the so-called protesters remained on the streets late into the night even after everyone else had gone home,” he added.
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