Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- Senior economic advisor to the president, Moses Kuria, has found himself on the receiving end following his remarks about the Saba Saba demonstrations.

A section of Kenyans sharply criticised the former Trade Cabinet Secretary over his claims that no Gen Z was killed by the police.

According to a statement by the National Police Service, at least 11 people were killed across the country.

However, in a tweet on Tuesday, July 8, Kuria claimed those who died were criminals and not Gen Zs.

Kuria praised Interior Cabinet Kipchumba Murkomen for ensuring that only criminals were killed during demonstrations.

"No Gen Z died today. Only criminal looters. Well done @kipmurkomen. Ensure Zero Gen Z and maximum criminal fatalities," Kuria said.

However, the sentiments by Kuria were heavily dismissed by a majority of Kenyans, who said police have no authority to shoot to kill.

According to Kenyans, police have been given powers to arrest lawbreakers and not to kill them.

@KaberiaCommoner:

"Advisor, what is your plan on job creation and zero tolerance for corruption?"

Eric:

"Any such life lost is such, it’s a big loss, it doesn’t matter who."

Stella:

"She was no looter but her lifeless body lay in her own house at ndumberi kiriguini. Imagine the trauma of her own siblings seeing in the house. The innocence in her may her soul rest in peace."

Steve Mwema:

"Moses, is it so hard to put out a fire than it is to keep fueling it? Where is wisdom buana? Nìkìì mùthūri?"

KimathiLen36226

"Who are you lying to? Kwani sisi hatukuwa ground?"

Geoffrey Kivou:

"But these criminals don't loot and steal during protests only. Where are the police on the other days when there are no protests and the same criminals are stealing from Kenyans?"

Mwasi:

"No one deserves to lose his life..What kind of a leader are you mhesh."

Stephen Macharia 🇰🇪:

"And you call yourself as an Advisor? 😅..."

The remarks by Kuria come days after CS Murkomen directed police to use lethal force against anyone approaching or threatening the police.

The Interior CS made these remarks on Thursday, June 26, one day after nationwide protests on June 25, which commemorated deadly 2024 demonstrations and saw several stations attacked.

However, Murkomen's directives were heavily criticised by Kenyans, including ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Raila said the Interior CS erred by publicly backing police for killing innocent protesters.

Source: TUKO.co.ke