The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Raila Odinga criticized the court’s decision to allow the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to remain deployed during protests.
He argued that it was inappropriate for the military, whose role is to defend against external threats, to handle internal matters such as protests. Raila made these remarks at the burial of Elder Owino Nyadi in Ugunja, Siaya County, on Saturday.
“We have reached a point where the government resorts to deploying the military on the streets. This indicates a failure of civilian authority and the inability of civilian forces to manage public dissent,” Raila remarked. “The military’s role is not to patrol our streets; that responsibility belongs to the Kenyan police.”
He criticized the police for their handling of recent protests, emphasizing that peaceful demonstrators have the right to protest without fear of violence.
Raila condemned what he described as excessive force by the police, resulting in the unnecessary loss of young lives. He stressed that police globally are meant to protect lives and property, not to use lethal force against demonstrators.
Raila also questioned the circumstances surrounding alleged hired goons involved in recent incidents, demanding accountability from authorities.
During his statement, Raila was joined by Siaya Governor James Orengo and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.
