Wajir East MP Adan Daud Mohamed has called on Wajir county residents to calm down and exercise restraints following violent protests that gripped the town this morning.
“I want to appeal to everyone to exercise restraint and to refrain from engaging in any activities that may further escalate the situation. Violence and destruction of property will only serve to exacerbate the problem and harm our community.”he said
In a statement carried on his Facebook page, Daud said he is deeply saddened by the death of the two young men who lost their lives on Wednesday in the hands of Kenya Wildlife agents and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
“I am deeply saddened by the reports of two young men who were killed in unclear circumstances by Kenya Wildlife Services officers yesterday in Wajir. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the two young men who lost their lives. I understand that emotions are running high and that there is a sense of outrage and injustice among the people.”
Wajir East MP @Honadendaud calls for calm and restraint among #Wajir residents following violent protest that gripped the town this morning.
The legislator pledged to bring justice for the two young men gunned down by #KWS officers on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/cHSMpjv3p2
— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) May 4, 2023
The legislator outlined that he will take up the matter and ensure that justice is delivered to the families whilst also pledging to ensure that the culprits face the full force.
“As your elected representative, I am committed to ensuring that justice is served, and that those responsible for the deaths of the two young men are held accountable for their actions. I will work closely with the relevant authorities to establish the facts of the incident and to ensure that due process is followed. If it is found that the KWS officers acted unlawfully, they will be brought to justice.” said the MP.
Similar sentiments were also echoed by Barwaqo Ward MCA Adan Adow who asked the residents of Barwaqo ward to remain calm and give time to relevant authorities to investigate the matter.
“This morning we had meeting with Deputy Sub- county commissioner Mr Koech and he has assured us that the matter will be investigated and arrest the alleged officers behind the killing of two men” said Adow.
Former Barwaqo Senior Chief Adano also condemned the killing of the two men from barwaqo ward, and urged relevant government agencies to investigate the matter.
“We as the elders and leaders always preach peace, the unfortunate incident that led to the death of two men is unfortunate and we call upon the government to arrest the two officers from KWS, it’s only that can bring calm” said former Senior Chief.
Tension flared on Thursday morning in Wajir after angry residents took to the streets demanding justice for the two young persons killed by the KWS.
Clashes erupt in #Wajir town between police officers and angry residents following the shooting dead of two men " suspected" to be poachers by @KenyaKwskenya personnel on Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/79K80d3kaJ
— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) May 4, 2023
Videos taken by local journalists showed residents pelting stones at police officers as police lobbed tear gas canisters at them.
Security agencies were yet to comment on the matter by the time of publishing this report.
