State won't suppress freedom of expression, Kindiki says

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the government will not gag free speech because it is enshrined in the constitution.

Speaking to residents of Mitaboni in Machakos County and Nguni in Kitui County as he concluded his tour of the lower Eastern region on Monday, the DP affirmed the government will respect the right of citizens to express themselves.

"We have heard you. The government will not at all interfere with the citizens’ freedom of expression regarding how they want to be governed. We will not resist divergent views," he said.

However, Kindiki cautioned that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, the government will not tolerate criminal elements who exploit these freedoms to incite unrest or destabilize the country.

“We will not give way for lawless individuals to use demonstrations as an excuse for breaking the law. We will do whatever it takes to safeguard national security,” he said in Nguni.

The Deputy President sought to allay fears among citizens that President William Ruto’s administration is intent on muzzling dissent or silencing those critical of government policies.

While saying the government will respect the constitution, Kindiki reiterated that freedom must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of law, warning that the state would not permit a descent into lawlessness.

“I am assuring all our Gen Z and the public at large that we are committed to hearing out the concerns you have raised about corruption and plunder of public resources. We have also captured your voice against bad conduct of our security forces. These are things we shall address," the DP said.

He further assured that the government was focused on creating employment opportunities in key sectors through targeted interventions, aimed at tackling the high levels of youth unemployment.

And speaking during the Mitaboni event, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, said Parliament is ready to pass a proposed legislation to regulate demonstrations and picketing across the country.

“What we are saying is that demonstrations should be held within the law. It should not be about raiding and looting of businesses and destruction of government installations," he said.

The Deputy President has, over the last three weeks, crisscrossed the expansive Ukambani region as part of a women empowerment campaign, which also doubled up as a political charm offensive to rally support for President William Ruto's administration.

He assured that the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to inclusive development, and no region will be sidelined, regardless of how it voted in the last presidential election.