No Coup Was Imminent: Kenyan Govt Clarifies Circumstances of June 25th.
Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya refuted claims that a coup was looming in July 2024 during the anti-government protests. Addressing the Senate on Wednesday, she responded to senators’ inquiries by labeling the reports of a military takeover as baseless and reckless.
The questions arose following reports that Raila Odinga had allegedly mentioned an unnamed friend who had received information suggesting power would be handed over when the president deployed the military to assist the overwhelmed police during the June 2024 protests.
Two days after her initial dismissal of the coup speculation, Tuya appeared before the Senate to respond to concerns over security matters. Senators questioned the accuracy of a report by The Daily Nation, which suggested that military intervention was considered necessary. Tuya criticized the report, stating that it was inaccurate, baseless, and reckless in its claims about militarization. She clarified that the KDF’s deployment was constitutional and only occurred when internal security threats warranted their involvement.
Security Council Measures
A senator sought clarification on the safeguards put in place by the National Security Council to prevent the military from seizing control once deployed. Referencing historical events in Sudan and Egypt, he questioned the accuracy of dismissing the possibility of military intervention in Kenya if the regime had collapsed in July 2024.
Government’s Position
Responding to these concerns, Tuya reaffirmed that any claims suggesting a military coup were unfounded, inaccurate, and reckless. She explained that national security organs, through the National Security Council and the National Security Committee, continuously engage in situational assessments of security matters on a regular basis.
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Tuya explained that the Constitution permits the military to intervene when needed to maintain national stability. She emphasized that KDF operations in internal security matters required situational awareness and coordination with other agencies. Furthermore, she confirmed that the military had not been withdrawn since their deployment in June 2024, highlighting their continued role in national security.
In a surprising revelation, Tuya disclosed that individuals posing as Kenya Defense Forces officers, complete with military uniforms and ranks, had been deceiving the public. This raised concerns about the state of national security, prompting further scrutiny of the situation. The presence of impostors impersonating generals in full military attire has sparked widespread alarm.
No Coup Was Imminent: Kenyan Govt Clarifies Circumstances of June 25th.
