Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale claimed on Saturday that the infamous Mungiki criminal gang was sponsored to infiltrate the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests with the intent of creating chaos and destabilizing the government. This statement was made as Duale sought to justify the unprecedented deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to manage the unrest.
Speaking at a fundraiser in Daba Village, Tana River County, Duale stated that the infiltration by the Mungiki sect posed a significant threat, prompting the government to take drastic measures. The Cabinet Secretary revealed that intelligence reports indicated plans by these gangs to storm critical state institutions, including State House, Parliament, and the Judiciary. This forced the government to call the KDF out of the barracks to protect the nation’s stability.
“The decision to deploy the KDF was not taken lightly. It was a matter of national security. The Mungiki gang had plans to invade and destroy critical government infrastructures across the country. We could not sit back and watch as these criminal elements sought to bring our nation to its knees,” Duale stated.
The Finance Bill 2024, which has sparked widespread protests, includes several controversial tax measures and budget allocations. The protests, initially peaceful, have escalated in recent days, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police forces. Duale’s claims of Mungiki involvement add a new dimension to the unrest, suggesting a coordinated effort to exploit the protests for nefarious purposes.
The decision to deploy the KDF has been met with mixed reactions. While some citizens and political leaders support the move, citing the need for security and order, others view it as an excessive use of military force in civil matters. Critics argue that the government should address the underlying issues driving the protests rather than resorting to military intervention.
Human rights organizations have also raised concerns about the potential for human rights violations with the deployment of the KDF. They have called for transparency and accountability in the handling of the protests and for the government to engage in dialogue with the demonstrators.
Despite the controversy, Duale remained steadfast in his justification of the KDF’s involvement. “Our primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of our citizens and the integrity of our nation. The KDF will remain on standby to respond to any threats to our national security,” he asserted.
As the situation continues to unfold, the government faces the dual challenge of maintaining order and addressing the grievances that have fueled the protests. The allegations of Mungiki infiltration add a layer of complexity to an already volatile situation, underscoring the need for a measured and strategic response to restore peace and stability in the country.
