Kalonzo slams Ruto over extrajudicial killings, asks U.S to intervene in Wanjigi raid

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has asked the United States of America to intervene in the alleged harassment of businessman Jimi Wanjigi as well as the abduction and killing of other Kenyans by the President William Ruto administration.

Speaking at a burial ceremony in Mwingi West on Friday, Kalonzo also accused the State of criminalising demonstrations organized and spearheaded by Gen Zs that have been going on for two months now.

"Jimi has been harassed in this country; this time, even the US Under Secretary is still in the country, she should appeal to Kenya Kwanza to stop disturbing him because he has done the right thing and gone to court," he said.

"They seem to be so determined to arrest him. Without a court order, they raid his house, destroy CCTV and plant teargas and other things on him."

He called on the church to pray for the country, especially on matters of corruption as he lauded the youth for their relentless efforts to liberate the country from what he termed as the claws of bad leadership.

Kalonzo also called for unity stating that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"You can't criminalise peaceful demos where young people are holding our flags. I want to urge the church to pray earnestly for this land without ceasing so that the revolution continues. We need to be proud of the Gen Zs because they don't want their country to be messed up," he added.

His DAP-Kenya party counterpart Eugene Wamalwa echoed his sentiments stating that there is a need for prayers as over 200 Kenyans have lost lives through extrajudicial killings, most of them being youths.

Wamalwa noted that just like Gen Zs, they stand and support the demos which are geared toward a better country.

"When it comes to issues with the rights to demonstrate under Article 37, these are rights guaranteed by the Constitution and should not be violated," he said.

"We have seen the US Under Secretary of State who has expressed the concern of the US, Antony Blinken and the US Ambassador have all expressed their concerns. The right to demonstrate and protest is guaranteed in the Constitution."

He further stated that the impending exit of ODM leader Raila Odinga from the opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition might be a blessing in disguise.

The remarks come after police on Thursday raided Jimi Wanjigi's home in Muthaiga where they accused the businessman of sponsoring Nane Nane demos.

Acting Police Inspector General later ordered Wanjigi to surrender to the nearest police station but the latter instead sought court orders which barred the police from arresting him.