Ruto called on the National Police Service (NPS) to use its mandate responsibly, professionally, effectively, and in full compliance with the Constitution.
President William Ruto has announced that the charges pressed against the protestors who participated during the recent anti-government protests be dropped.
Speaking during his address to the nation at State House, the Head of State directed the criminal justice agencies to release all Kenyans who were erroneously arrested during the protests, an announcement that marks a significant shift in Kenya’s approach to the ongoing unrest that has shaken the nation.
“There have been many instances of excessive, unlawful, dangerous, and harmful conduct during the demonstrations and engagements as a consequence of which many persons have been arrested and charged in court with various offences.
“I urge the criminal justice agencies to take effective measures and ensure that people who may have been innocently caught up on the wrong side of proceedings, and those not implicated in crimes are released and the charges against them withdrawn,” said President Ruto.
Kenyans during a past protest in Nairobi. /FILE
The President explained that the release of the innocently arrested protestors would enable the security agencies to focus their resources, efforts, and time on investigating and prosecuting suspects who took advantage of the demonstrations to advance a dangerous agenda.
At the same time, Ruto called on the National Police Service (NPS) to use its mandate responsibly, professionally, effectively, and in full compliance with the Constitution.
“All breaches and violations by police officers must be handled expeditiously through due process, with a view to giving Kenyans a police service that upholds the highest standards of integrity,” said Ruto.
Further, he directed relevant ministers to obtain, verify, and provide accurate data on Kenyans who lost their livelihoods and property during the anti-government protests within 30 days to facilitate appropriate government action.
Whilst this will bring good news to members of the public, the protests risk continuing unabated following its eruption over proposed tax hikes in the Finance Bill 2024 despite Ruto’s decision to withdraw the legislation and dissolve almost his entire Cabinet.
Activists, however, have intensified their calls for Ruto’s resignation and are demanding sweeping reforms to tackle corruption and poor governance.
The announcement by President Ruto also came with a warning, that the police are to use the full force of the law against individuals who engaged in criminal activities while masquerading themselves as protesters.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), at least 50 people have lost their lives in the clashes, a matter worsened by reports of looting and property damage, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) noting that over 270 individuals suspected of criminal activities have been apprehended.
The government has been faced with criticism for its handling of the situation, with some claiming that the protests have been infiltrated by individuals funded by unknown prominent individuals with the intent of escalating violence indirectly.
In response to the loss of lives and destruction, Ruto has promised that the government will offer support to the affected families and communities. This pledge is seen as a gesture to address the grievances of those who have been hardest hit by the ongoing unrest.
