Kenya’s President, William Ruto, recently addressed the nation in response to the violent anti-government protests that have erupted across the country. With a tone of defiance, he made it clear that he would not tolerate chaos under the guise of peaceful demonstrations. The President’s stern words reverberated through Kenya as he declared, “enough is enough.
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The unrest was triggered by the death of a blogger in police custody, an incident that ignited widespread anger among Kenyans. The situation escalated further when a civilian was shot at close range by a police officer during one of the protests against police brutality. These events set off a chain reaction of civil disobedience and clashes between protesters and security forces.
As tensions mounted, thousands took to the streets on June 25, coinciding with the anniversary of significant anti-tax protests from the previous year. The capital city, Nairobi, became a focal point as police erected roadblocks to restrict access to non-essential personnel. This move led to confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators not just in Nairobi but also in various counties across Kenya.
The clashes resulted in a tragic toll: 31 people lost their lives, over 100 sustained injuries, and more than 500 individuals found themselves behind bars. This wave of protests marked one of two recent episodes where a total of 50 individuals perished due to escalating violence on the streets.
In response to these turbulent events, Volker Türk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights called for addressing the underlying grievances fueling the protests. However, President Ruto attributed much of this discontent to political machinations aimed at destabilizing his government. He vowed to safeguard peace and stability in Kenya at any cost while admonishing his political rivals seeking regime change through unconstitutional means.
Ruto’s unwavering stance was evident as he warned against attempts to disrupt public order: “
This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient… It is not going to happen.” Despite facing criticism from civil society groups advocating for restraint by law enforcement during demonstrations, Ruto remained resolute in maintaining law and order.
The recent charging of five police officers involved in controversial incidents underscored efforts towards accountability within Kenya’s security apparatus. Deputy Police Inspector General Eliud Langat voluntarily stepped aside amidst investigations into allegations raised against him by the deceased blogger on social media platforms.
As Kenya grapples with internal strife and calls for justice echo nationwide, President Ruto stands firm in his commitment to preserving peace while navigating turbulent waters threatening social harmony and political stability.
