By Andrew Mbuva
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has accused the national government of orchestrating violence against its own citizens, alleging that criminal gangs disrupting political activities are operating with state protection.
Speaking to journalists in Machakos on Saturday, Mwangangi claimed Kenya is witnessing what he described as "state-sponsored terror," saying the government had failed in its constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
The deputy governor singled out Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, calling on him to resign if he is unable to identify those behind the violence witnessed in parts of the country, including the recent unrest in Ol Kalou.
"If the Interior Cabinet Secretary does not know who is behind these acts of terror, then he is not fit to hold that office," Mwangangi said.
He alleged that the emergence of armed gangs began in Nairobi's Central Business District and has since spread to other parts of the country, claiming the perpetrators operate in the presence of security agencies without being stopped.
Mwangangi further accused senior officials in the Interior Ministry of having knowledge of the groups responsible for the violence, insisting that the government has the capacity to end the attacks if it chooses to do so.
"The government's primary responsibility is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Instead, we are seeing destruction and deaths allegedly being facilitated by the very institutions meant to safeguard Kenyans," he said.
The deputy governor also condemned what he termed increasing intimidation of journalists, urging the government to respect media freedom and allow journalists to carry out their constitutional mandate without interference.
"When you attack the media, you are attacking democracy itself," he said.
Mwangangi warned that public officials would eventually be held accountable for decisions made while in office, arguing that any alleged violations of citizens' rights could have legal and political consequences in the future.
He further claimed that opposition rallies and public engagements have increasingly been disrupted by police officers and armed groups, alleging that the pattern points to deliberate efforts to suppress dissent.
Calling for an end to political violence, Mwangangi urged the government to take decisive action against those responsible for the attacks instead of denying knowledge of their identities.
"The government has the responsibility and the means to stop this violence before it escalates further," he said.
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions in the country, with growing concerns from opposition leaders and civil society over security, political freedoms, and the protection of constitutional rights.
The government has previously maintained that security agencies operate independently and has repeatedly stated that any criminal acts are investigated in accordance with the law.
