Ruto Promises to Go After Alleged Planners and Financiers of Tuesday Protests

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• President William Ruto commended security officers and directed national security measures to counter criminals hijacking protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
• He emphasized the importance of lawful national discourse and condemned the violence and property damage caused by criminal elements within the protests.

President William Ruto has commended the security officers on duty today for their dedication and efforts in defending Kenya and its citizens. 

He announced that he has directed all national security organs to implement measures to thwart any attempts by dangerous criminals to undermine the country’s security and stability.

President Ruto asserted that the protests against the Finance Bill 2024 had been hijacked by individuals he referred to as criminals. 

“I assure Kenyans that we shall provide a full, effective, and expeditious response to today’s treasonous events,” he declared. 

He condemned the actions of those who, under the guise of peaceful protest, inflicted terror on the people, their elected representatives, and Parliament, emphasizing that such behavior would not go unpunished.

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“I hereby put on notice the planners, financiers, orchestrators, and abettors of violence and anarchy that the security infrastructure established to protect our republic and its sovereignty will be deployed to secure the country and restore normalcy,” Ruto stated.

He expressed gratitude to the young people for fostering democratic discourse on national issues but lamented that their efforts had been co-opted by criminals. 

“I thank you and assure you that the conversation you have begun around pertinent issues of our nation will continue to inform our policy and governance decisions,” Ruto said.

The President committed to championing issue-based, policy-oriented, and inclusive engagement on critical national issues, providing a framework for meaningful dialogue and implementation of its outcomes. 

“However, our national conversation on any subject matter must be conducted in a manner that respects and honors the foundational values upon which our nation is built, namely constitutionalism, the rule of law, and respect for institutions,” he stated.

Ruto attributed the losses incurred during the protests to criminal elements within the demonstrations. 

Several people were killed, and property was damaged in Nairobi and other areas as young people took to the streets to oppose the Finance Bill 2024.