Malala calls for arrests after UDA party offices set ablaze in Siaya
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Secretary General Cleophas Malala has condemned attacks on the outfit's offices in Siaya during the opposition protests on Thursday, March 30, 2023.
The ruling party offices were set ablaze by protesters believed to be supporters of the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday afternoon.
In a statement, Malala called on the police to arrest persons behind the attack, saying the protesters were misusing the right to picket and demonstrate to cause physical harm and destroy property.
Malala also alleged that UDA supporters were attacked and injured by Azimio protesters in Migori.
"Picketing and demonstrating as enshrined in article 37 of our constitution should not be abused and misused to cause physical harm or destroy property.
"Mr. Raila Odinga (Azimio leader) must be reminded that where his rights end is where other Kenyan's rights begin and that Kenya cannot be allowed to be taken to the dogs," Malala said.
He added: "We call upon law enforcement agencies to swing into action and apprehend the perpetrators, convenors and or financiers of these heinous acts."
He called on the UDA supporters to remain calm as authorities continue with a probe into the incidents.
"As a Party, we still urge our supporters to exercise restraint even in the face of extreme provocation.
Kenya remains steady under H.E. Excellency President William Ruto," he added.
Property of unknown value was destroyed during the Thursday attack in Siaya.
Besides torching the UDA offices on the outskirts of Siaya town, the rowdy youth are said to have made away with electric appliances, sacks of maize and chairs.
Margaret Anyango Owegi, a UDA official, told the press that the anti-government demonstrations called by Raila were targeting campaigners of UDA in Siaya.
"As UDA officials, we dedicated one of the offices in Siaya for UDA where we coordinate our activities and today morning some of the youths allegedly hired by certain politicians as far as South Nyanza and Kisumu burnt it down.
"The youths have not only destroyed the building but stolen everything including the furniture which was being used by workers staying in the house," Anyango said.
The demonstrators were protesting the high cost of living in the country and alleged electoral fraud among other issues.
The attack comes barely two weeks after UDA party offices were set a blaze in Kisumu by suspected Azimio protesters.
