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.
Speaking in a press briefing in Garissa, the leaders argued that the 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 whining with the public and inciting them to violence.
Led by their chairperson, Alex Njiru, the Christian community said that the political leaders should be the ones in the forefront in bringing peace and cohesion among communities and not sow seeds of division based on tribe, clan or religion.
The leaders further disassociated themselves from any blame for the actions of a police officer in Garissa, noting that the actions of one person should not warrant a blanket blame on an entire community.
“We join other communities countrywide to condemn the cruel 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,” Njiru said.
“We want to ask the politicians to measure their words when speaking to the masses and think of the outcome whether it is to help the community or to bring chaos. They should let the police do their work without any interference,” he added.
At the same time, the community leaders called out the security agencies for slacking in investigations and taking too long to arrest criminals who have both perpetrated the actions of killing innocent Kenyans and those who have incited others to violence.
By Erick Kyalo
