Garissa: Non-local community leaders in Garissa have condemned a section of politicians for allegedly inciting communities against each other following the killing of a taxi driver in Garissa and the bandit attack in Tseikuru in Mwingi that left eight people dead.
According to Kenya News Agency, the leaders argued during a press briefing in Garissa that politicians have unlimited access to government offices, including the office of the president, cabinet secretaries, and the Inspector General of police, where they can directly present their dissatisfaction instead of inciting the public to violence.
Led by their chairperson, Alex Njiru, the Christian community emphasized that political leaders should lead efforts to bring peace and cohesion among communities rather than sowing division based on tribe, clan, or religion. The leaders also distanced themselves from any blame regarding the actions of a police officer in Garissa, asserting that the actions of one individual should not result in blanket blame on an entire community.
Njiru stated, “We join other communities countrywide to condemn the act of killing a small boy in Ukasi who could have a better life in future and also condemn the killing of a taxi driver by police. We were not involved in any way in the unfortunate killing of the taxi driver in Garissa. It was a police officer, whom we don’t even know. We, as a whole community should not be blamed for the actions of a single person.”
He further urged politicians to be cautious with their words when addressing the masses, considering whether their statements would benefit the community or incite chaos. He advocated for allowing the police to perform their duties without interference.
Simultaneously, the community leaders criticized security agencies for their slow pace in investigating and apprehending criminals responsible for killing innocent Kenyans and those inciting violence.
