Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly criticized the National Intelligence Service (NIS), accusing them of providing poor counsel to President William Ruto regarding the public sentiment on the Finance Bill 2024.
Speaking at a press conference in Mombasa, Gachagua held NIS Director General Noordin Haji responsible for failing to anticipate the widespread unrest that followed the bill’s introduction.
“The security sector was caught off-guard by the intensity of the protests. Had NIS DG Noordin Haji done his job, we would not be where we are today,” Gachagua stated.
He lamented the loss and destruction of property and expressed empathy for MPs who experienced traumatic events both within and outside of Parliament due to the protests.
Addressing the tragic loss of young lives during the demonstrations, Gachagua said, “No parent should have to bury their child, especially in such circumstances. I cry for our children; I am unable to bear the pain of innocent young children whose only crime was to air their views in a democratic country.”
In a dramatic turn, Gachagua accused Noordin Haji of attempting to link him and former President Uhuru Kenyatta to the demonstrations, calling for Haji’s immediate resignation.
The Deputy President also appealed to the Kenyan youth, urging them to cease punishing MPs who supported the Finance Bill 2024 and called on President Ruto to compensate the families of those who were bereaved and the injured protesters.
He asked for Thursday’s protests to be called off, stressing the need for peace and dialogue moving forward.
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