By Dennis Dibondo
Meru County governor Isaac Mutuma M’ethingia condemned Monday incident where demonstrations in the area left destruction of property worth millions of shillings and paralyzed transport.
Magunas Supermarket at Makutano area was set able, 7/11 Restaurant was destroyed while Selenite Supermarket was looted.
Mutuma who spoke to journalists yesterday Tuesday at the county offices in Meru town termed Monday’s and last week’s as sad and unfortunate.
“It is painful that our people sweat, investment and hope has been reduced to ashes and rumbles the scenes of destruction, theft and intimidation were not acts of protest but acts of war against dignity and prosperity of the people of Meru,” he said.
He said right to peaceful assembly is cornerstone of the country democracy and the events of Monday were acts of criminality and political sabotage designed to destabilize the economy create fear and tarnish good name of Meru County.
He said Meru dairy Union factory was also targeted but was defended by workers with the help of police.
“During last week’s demonstration, the Maua depot of National Cereals and Produce Board and Bei Sawa Supermarket were also looted,” he said.
Mutuma said the demonstrations on Monday and on June 25 have made Meru lose over 5000 jobs that mostly belonged to the youth and vulnerable families.
“There are not just statistics, they are lives, dreams, jobs and future interrupted,” he said.
He said after being informed of the fire he responded swiftly and fire fighters were at the scene but he realized the situation required more support and he called Tharaka Nithi governor Muthomi Njuki who responded by dispatching two fire engines.
“They faced extreme danger and hostility from demonstrators who wanted to loot the facility and that some fire fighters were injured and are currently hospitalized,” he said.
The county boss urged police to apprehend all those who were involved in the mayhem.
He urged the youth not to turn to violence as it will not help but deepen wounds of poverty and delay the progress.
Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma said they have arrested 103 people in connection to the destruction of property on Monday and they will be arraigned.
“We are looking at CCTVS and we will arrest more irrespective of their positions,” he said.
The Mount Kenya Times 
Felix Njenga