Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern directive to security agencies in Nyeri County to put an immediate stop to the weekly protests that have been disrupting Karatina town every Tuesday. His call for action comes amid escalating violence and disruptions that have turned Karatina into a hotspot of anti-government demonstrations.
During the burial of Mzee Kabui, a revered community elder, in Muruguru, Nyeri, on Wednesday, Gachagua did not mince his words. He described the ongoing demonstrations as “unacceptable nonsense” and emphasized the need for decisive action to restore order. His comments reflect growing frustration over the persistent violence that has plagued the town.
Karatina has emerged as a rare flashpoint in Central Kenya, where anti-government protests have become a regular occurrence. The protests, which typically involve confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement, have caused significant disruptions to local businesses and daily life. The situation has prompted the Deputy President to intervene and demand a crackdown on those responsible for the unrest.
Gachagua’s remarks underscore the severity of the situation. “County Commissioner and your team, put your best foot forward and bring to an end that nonsense in Karatina. This is a very peaceful region in a peaceful county, and we cannot have anarchy where thugs are making it impossible for business people and ordinary people to go on with their activities,” he declared. His call for action reflects a broader concern over the erosion of law and order in a region previously known for its stability.
The Deputy President specifically targeted the criminal gangs behind the protests, labeling them as known troublemakers who have been undermining peace in the town. He urged the authorities to identify and arrest these individuals, stressing that they should be held accountable in court. “What is happening in Karatina is unacceptable, we can’t allow it. Every week kuna wakora hapo wanasumbua wafanyibiashara,” Gachagua warned, using Swahili to emphasize the local nature of the problem.
The Deputy President’s intervention is aimed at halting the cycle of violence that sees protesters clashing with police, only for the unrest to resume the following week. The police have been actively involved in dispersing the crowds, but the problem persists, with protesters returning week after week. Gachagua’s frustration with the situation is palpable, as he criticized the authorities for not doing enough to address the root causes of the unrest.
The protests in Karatina have not only disrupted business operations but have also created a climate of fear and instability among residents. The Deputy President’s comments reflect a broader concern about the impact of these protests on the local economy and community life. By calling for a decisive response, Gachagua aims to restore normalcy and ensure that Karatina remains a peaceful town.
As Gachagua’s orders take effect, the focus will be on how effectively security agencies can address the underlying issues fueling the protests. The Deputy President’s directive signals a heightened commitment to tackling violence and restoring order, with a clear message that such disruptions will not be tolerated.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the new measures will successfully quell the unrest in Karatina and restore peace to this once-tranquil part of Central Kenya.
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