NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has decried the violence that has marred public participation gatherings on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, calling it “shameful” and an affront to democracy.
In a strongly worded statement, the Senator emphasized that violence should never be justified in any circumstance, insisting that all individuals must be allowed to express their views freely and without fear of attack.
“There is no reason for violence. There can never be justification for violence against anyone. Let everyone air their views unhindered because that is what democracy demands,” Sifuna remarked.
He described the chaotic scenes from several public forums as unacceptable, warning that silencing opposing voices is contrary to the very essence of democratic engagement.
The call for restraint follows a spate of violent incidents across the country, with the most recent case involving political activist Morara Kebaso at the Bomas of Kenya.
Kebaso, who sought to participate in a public forum, was attacked as he entered the venue, prompting security personnel to intervene as panic spread among participants.
Eyewitnesses reported that chairs and other objects were hurled at the activist, forcing him to flee the premises.
“I was barred from entering Bomas at the gate. When I finally got in, I was denied the mic on the floor. Chaos erupted. I am hurt. I headed to the hospital. I live to speak another day,” Kebaso later posted on X.
Sifuna’s condemnation adds to the growing outcry against the violence, with many urging that the process of public participation must remain peaceful and inclusive.
As impeachment discussions gather momentum, the senator’s remarks have spotlighted the need for tolerance and respect for differing opinions.
In a strongly worded statement, the Senator emphasized that violence should never be justified in any circumstance, insisting that all individuals must be allowed to express their views freely and without fear of attack.
“There is no reason for violence. There can never be justification for violence against anyone. Let everyone air their views unhindered because that is what democracy demands,” Sifuna remarked.
He described the chaotic scenes from several public forums as unacceptable, warning that silencing opposing voices is contrary to the very essence of democratic engagement.
The call for restraint follows a spate of violent incidents across the country, with the most recent case involving political activist Morara Kebaso at the Bomas of Kenya.
Kebaso, who sought to participate in a public forum, was attacked as he entered the venue, prompting security personnel to intervene as panic spread among participants.
Eyewitnesses reported that chairs and other objects were hurled at the activist, forcing him to flee the premises.
“I was barred from entering Bomas at the gate. When I finally got in, I was denied the mic on the floor. Chaos erupted. I am hurt. I headed to the hospital. I live to speak another day,” Kebaso later posted on X.
Sifuna’s condemnation adds to the growing outcry against the violence, with many urging that the process of public participation must remain peaceful and inclusive.
As impeachment discussions gather momentum, the senator’s remarks have spotlighted the need for tolerance and respect for differing opinions.
