Raila criticises court decision allowing military streets' deployment
Politics
By
Olivia Odhiambo
| Jun 29, 2024
Azimio chief Raila Odinga has faulted the court's decision to allow the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to support police in assessing the security situation across the country during protests.
Odinga argued that the military's role is to protect Kenya from both internal and external strikes, and foreign aggression, not to be deployed on the streets.
Speaking in Ugunja Constituency, Siaya County, during the burial of elder Owino Nyadi, Odinga said it was wrong for the courts to rule that the military should maintain peace in the streets. He emphasised that the Kenyan police are equipped to handle civilian issues.
Odinga condemned the police for using excessive force on peaceful protesters. He lamented that the country had reached a stage where the government had to involve the military due to the perceived failure of civilian police.
"We have repeatedly said that the law allows Kenyans to peacefully picket and demonstrate against what they don't like. Peaceful demonstrators should be escorted by the police, not shot at by them," he said.
READ MORE
Ruto hints at 2027 alliance with ODM
Why Africa should step up efforts to reduce methane emissions
Weatherman: Heavy rains to pound 13 counties from today
Why Omtatah wants court to block Sh2.8tr railway works
Key anecdotes for Kenya and Africa's seed sector reforms
Seven killed as matatu rams into trailer along Webuye-Eldoret road
From guns to flames and deaths, why Trans Mara is bleeding
Government lists 14 areas in Narok County as security-disturbed, dangerous
How LessosKabarnet line will power our industrial economy
Boon for exporters as Kenya inches closer to China tariff deal
The Azimio leader further criticised the police's brutal force against peaceful protesters, calling it unacceptable. He claimed that police officers who shoot aimlessly at civilians are criminals who must be dealt with according to the law.
"In civilian authorities worldwide, police are not supposed to shoot to kill. Their responsibility is to protect the lives and property of the people," he said.
Odinga noted that in Kenya's 61 years of independence, the country had never witnessed anything like the recent events during Tuesday's protests, where police allegedly shot at innocent civilians.
"What we saw the other day was unimaginable and unprecedented. We have never seen anything like this before," he added.
He called on authorities who claimed goons had infiltrated the protests to reveal their identities and sponsors. "We are being told about hired goons. Who are these goons? Tell us, and who hired them?" he posed.
Odinga was accompanied by Minority Leader in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
Boxing heavyweight Anthony Joshua hospitalised after fatal road crash in Nigeria
Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua was injured in a serious road traffic accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two peopleWhy spectators will have even more fun in 2026 Safari Rally showdown
For the first time since the return of the Safari Rally to the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, spectators will get to watch the event shakedown during the 2026 edition.Women teams led the way with impressive show as men struggled
Junior Malkia Strikers’ African gold top highlight of 2025 as Malkia Strikers win a game at World Championships.Diallo strikes again as Ivory Coast and Cameroon share spoils in AFCON classic
Man United winger Amad Diallo was again on the scoresheet as defending champions Ivory Coast were held to a 1-1 draw by rivals Cameroon in a pulsating AFCON Group F clashMahrez scores as Algeria book place in AFCON last 16 after 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso
Algeria have booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 after edging Burkina Faso 1-0 in a hard-fought Group E encounterMOST READ
Boxing heavyweight Anthony Joshua hospitalised after fatal road crash in Nigeria
BOXING