Greedy leaders to blame for Narok chaos, says Tunai
A man who was shot in the leg during the Monday January 26, 2015 protests in Narok is carried to hospital. PHOTO | GEORGE SAYAGIE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Tunai said the protest had led to “needless loss of life”.
- He said the scuffle and resultant injuries were as a result of police engaging in self-defence.
- He said the “duel among leaders in Narok” was a contest of greed and clannism against transparency and a new leadership order.
- Two people died in the clashes between police and protesters in Narok Town.
Narok Governor Samuel ole Tunai has condemned the politicians behind Monday’s protests in Narok.
Mr Tunai said the protest had led to “needless loss of life”.
“These injuries were suffered as a result of the irate mob attacking the police who were at work at the county offices.
"It is unfortunate that some leaders would incite peace loving residents, to the extent of misadvising them to engage in criminal acts of attacking police officers who were on duty,” he said in a statement to sent newsrooms.
He said the scuffle and resultant injuries were as a result of police engaging in self-defence.
“While the Constitution guarantees rights and freedoms such as freedom to assemble, picket, among others, for public good, the same Constitution protects every citizen and relevant laws protect public officers while exercising their duties,” read the statement.
GREED AND CLANNISM
He said the “duel among leaders in Narok” was a contest of greed and clannism against transparency and a new leadership order.
Two people died in the Monday clashes between police and protesters in Narok Town.
Six protesters and two officers were seriously injured when thousands of residents defied a ban issued last week by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaiserry not to hold the demo against Governor Tunai.
The two were shot dead by police who had been overwhelmed by the crowd that attempted to force its way into the county government offices.
They were pronounced dead on arrival at Narok County Referral Hospital, a kilometre from the scene of the shooting.
Senator Stephen ole Ntutu, MPs Moitalel Kenta (Narok North), Korei Lemein (Narok South), Patrick Ntutu (Narok West) and Johanna Ng’eno (Emmurua Dikkirr) led protesters in their bid to present a petition to the governor.
DEFENDED POLICE ACTION
Governor Tunai defended the use of force by the police saying they were provoked by the protesters.
"The scuffle and the resultant injuries were a product of police engaging in self-defence when they were attacked by the irate mob," Mr Tunai said.
He urged Narok residents to remain calm and use legal means to find solutions to the problems facing them.
