“No Goonism,” Kitengela Residents Warn Bob Njagi Ahead of Planned June 25th Demos
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Kitengela residents have urged organizers and participants of the planned June 25 demonstrations to maintain peace and avoid violence, warning that they will not support protests linked to looting or destruction of property.
They made the remarks during a community briefing in Kitengela, where leaders and residents stressed orderly demonstrations while distancing themselves from what they described as criminal infiltration.
Aslam Longton of the Kitengela Social Justice Centre, who serves as deputy and identifies as a human rights defender, addressed residents and warned that recent protests have been overtaken by criminal activity that harms ordinary citizens.
“We have reached a point where we see we are being counterattacked. Goons are being brought in, and the protests end up destroying people’s property, stealing from them and businesses, even mama mboga are being robbed,” he said.
Kitengela Residents Call for Peaceful Protests and Reject Violence
Longton said residents initially supported civic demonstrations under the Kitengela movement but later withdrew their involvement after what they described as infiltration by goons.
He added that this situation has distorted the original purpose of the protests in the area.
He noted that small traders and kiosk owners continue to suffer losses whenever unrest erupts.
“We will not call that a protest; that is destruction and theft. So, we are withdrawing ourselves from this because we will not smear ourselves with dirt. We will not involve ourselves,” he said.
He further urged the government to prioritize youth empowerment, arguing that economic support would provide a more sustainable solution than street confrontations.
“Peaceful Protest Is a Constitutional Right”
Another speaker emphasized that peaceful demonstrations remain protected under the Constitution of Kenya and noted that no amendments have been made since 2010 affecting that right.
He said residents fully support lawful demonstrations as long as they remain peaceful and non-violent.
“Protesting peacefully is a constitutional right, and no changes have been made to the Constitution from 2010 to date. So, that right to protest peacefully still exists,” he stated.
He added that residents will only participate in orderly demonstrations and will not tolerate violence or theft.
“And if peaceful protests happen, we are 100% in support, but these protests, characterized by looting and hooliganism, we are not part of them,” he said.
The speaker further stressed that participation depends on discipline and order during demonstrations.
“However, when it comes to peaceful ones, even the government itself knows it is in the constitution, and we will turn up 100% if it is a peaceful protest. But as for looting, we are not involved, and we will not tolerate that kind of protest in this town of Kitengela,” he added.
Also Read: ODM MP Asks Ruto to Make Him Interior CS on June 25 to Deal With Orengo and Protesters
Candlelight Vigil Planned Ahead of June 25 Demos
Meanwhile, residents announced plans to hold a candlelight vigil at a local stadium ahead of the June 25 demonstrations.
They said the gathering will honour affected individuals while promoting calm, unity, and respect for law and order.
They urged participants to maintain discipline and avoid actions that could trigger confrontation with authorities.
Call to Protest Organizers
Residents also directed a message to protest organizers, including Bob Njagi, urging them to ensure that all planned demonstrations remain peaceful and free from criminal activity.
As preparations continue for the June 25 protests, Kitengela residents maintain that they will only support demonstrations that uphold constitutional rights while firmly rejecting violence, looting, and what they term as “goonism.”
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Kitengela residents address the media as Aslam Longton warns against violence ahead of the planned June 25 demonstrations and calls for peaceful, orderly protests. PHOTO/ Screengrab.