- The Defence CS Soipan Tuya refuted assertions about an impending coup amid the June 2024 demonstrations, deeming Raila Odinga’s accusations as unfounded and irresponsible.
- Raila alleged that the demonstrations were close to causing a military coup, pointing to the invasion of Parliament and intentions to advance towards State House.
- Tuya stressed that both the National Security Council and the Committee consistently oversee security matters.
- She explained that KDF's internal deployment is constitutional, well-regulated, and solely intended to assist the police during crises.
Didacus Malowa, a journalist with Pawonation.com.co.ke, comes with more than three years of expertise in reporting on politics and contemporary issues within Kenya.
Nairobi - Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya refuted assertions that a coup was about to occur amid the anti-government demonstrations in June 2024.
The claims, earlier made by opposition figure Raila Odinga, indicated that the nation was close to experiencing a military coup prior to his involvement.
On Wednesday, March 19, when appearing before the Senate, Tuya refuted the allegations, which led to an intense discussion regarding the responsibilities of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
During an earlier discussion, Raila stated that the circumstances surrounding the Gen Z protests had become so intense that a potential coup seemed like a genuine prospect.
He described how demonstrators stormed and damaged Parliament and intended to advance towards State House, which led President William Ruto to call in the military for assistance.
Raila contended that this action represented a perilous intensification that might result in the transfer of authority to the armed forces.
He stated that an unnamed friend had informed him about the supposed takeover, which led him to take action.
"Ruto can be ousted via elections. However, once troops leave the barracks, they seldom return," Raila stated.
What was Tuya's reaction to the allegations of a coup?
Tuya, however, refuted these assertions as deceptive and hasty when answering a query posed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Sifuna looked for clarification regarding Raila’s statements, querying which aspects of the seasoned politician's comments were incorrect.
She stressed that both the National Security Council and the National Security Committee constantly oversee the nation's safety status to prevent such situations from occurring.
"As far as the article mentioned a military coup, I must assert that such claims are entirely unfounded, incorrect, and irresponsible. The national security agencies maintain constant communication via the National Security Council and the National Security Committee, and we regularly address the assessment of security conditions," clarified Tuya.
What is the role of KDF in ensuring internal security?
Tuya similarly tackled worries regarding the KDF’s role in domestic security issues, notably during the demonstrations of June 2024.
She explained that the constitution permits sending troops into action under certain conditions, like aiding the National Police Service during crises.
The CS also mentioned that the KDF functions strictly within legal limits and is subordinate to both the Constitution and Parliament.
"The constitution allows for scenarios where the KDF might be called upon internally. Hence, for the KDF to adequately fulfill its responsibilities, it needs to continuously maintain an understanding of domestic security matters," she noted.
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