By Our Reporter
WORLD
The Kenyan government has deployed the Kenya Defence Force (KDF) to help Police in quelling the tax demonstrations that have become violent in nature.
This was revealed by Aden Bare Duale, the Cabinet Secretary for Defence and Chairperson Defence Council.
The Deployment of KDF is backed by Gazette Notice NO: 7861 dated 25th June, 2024 in accordance with the Kenya Defence Forces Act (Cap.199) that declares a state of emergency.
“Pursuant to Article of 241 (3) (b) of the Kenya Constitution as read with Sections 31 (1) a, 31 (1) c, 33 (1), 34 (1) and 34 (2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, the Kenya Defence Forces is deployed on the 25th June, 2024 in support of the National Police Service in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests in various parts of the Republic of Kenya resulting in destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure,” reads the gazette.
President Ruto had earlier promised to handle what he called the criminal elements that infiltrated the otherwise lawful demonstration.
In a State House Press briefing in the evening of 25th June, 2024, President Ruto said the incidents that included an attack on Parliament mark a critical turning point on how the government will respond to grave threats to national security.
He says the government has mobilized all resources at the nation’s disposal to ensure that a situation of this nature will not reoccur again at whatever cost.
