'Bring to an end that nonsense!’ Gachagua orders police amid weekly Karatina protests

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ordered security agencies in Nyeri County to put to a stop weekly demonstrations being witnessed in Karatina town every Tuesday.

Speaking on Wednesday during the burial of community elder and leader, Mzee Kabui at Muruguru in Nyeri, DP Gachagua termed the violent protests as an “unacceptable nonsense” that should be brought to an end.

“County Commissioner and your team, put your best foot forward and bring to an end that nonsense in Karatina. This is a very peaceful region in a peaceful county and we cannot have anarchy where thugs are making it impossible for business people and ordinary people to go on with their activities,” he said.

The Deputy President called for order in the town, reiterating that criminal gangs who were well known to the people had been orchestrating violence and paralysing businesses and day-to-day activities.

“What is happening in Karatina is unacceptable, we can’t allow it. Every week kuna wakora hapo wanasumbua wafanyibiashara. The police usually come, disperses them, then the next week they come back again,” Gachagua warned.

“These characters are known and should be arrested and taken to court. We cannot allow a situation where criminals are terrorising Karatina residents and the people doing it are known.”

Karatina has become the only town in Central Kenya where violent anti-government protests continue, forcing businesses to remain shut during those days.