Foreign Affairs CS Dr. Alfred Mutua says the Kenya Kwanza administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy and position the country as the preferred trade, investment, and tourism destination are being derailed by economic saboteurs disguised as protests against the cost of living.
Speaking to the press on Wednesday in Nairobi, CS Mutua also criticized the United Nations Human Rights Commission’s statement last week, bashing the Kenyan government on the ongoing demos, explaining to the body, that it was the people of Kenya who are the ultimate victims of ‘maandamano’ spearheaded by the Opposition, at a time the government should be focused on building the economy, creating new jobs and opportunities for young Kenyans.
”The Ministry has protested to the office of the Spokesperson on his unsubstantiated statement. We will be engaging through appropriate channels to ensure that the international community is not sucked into conspiracies that are aimed at destablising our nation. These violent actions by a few paid goons have been politically instigated by known architects of violence and therefore cannot be categorized as peaceful assembly as alleged by the spokesperson,” CS Mutua’s statement read in part.
”What we have witnessed are violent protests with those involved carrying all manner of crude weapons. We have seen goons destroy a highway with no police around. These violent demonstrators have attacked innocent members of the public, looted and destroyed private property, attacked and injured police officers who were on duty to ensure law and order. Why is the UN Human Right Spokesperson blind to all these?” Dr. Mutua posed.
The CS noted the government of Kenya endeavors to protect the rights of individuals engaged in peaceful assembly and peaceful protests whilst maintaining public safety law and order in line with the constitution of Kenya, and as provided for in the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
He explained they are keeping a close eye on the current architects of the violence and looting experienced in the anti-government protests and will take appropriate actions, consistent with the government’s national and international obligations.
Despite the Opposition demos, CS Mutua says Kenya is open for business and disclosed there has been an influx guests into the country in the last couple of weeks despite the protests.
”As a government, we remain focused on ensuring that Kenya remains an attractive destination of trade, investment, and tourism. Only economic growth will guarantee the well-being of the Kenya people and we condemn in the strongest term possible those bent on derailing the economic plans of the country.”
