During last night's interview with TV presenters, President William Ruto's response to the question regarding the 12-year-old boy who was caught in the midst of last Thursday's protests and shot dead by police officers has sparked widespread disappointment among Kenyans.
When asked by TV presenter Linus Kaikai what he would say to the boy's mother, President Ruto responded with a remark that many feel was insensitive. The president allegedly said, "But the boy is alive!" and immediately shifted from the story.
The boy had been sent by his mother to buy books and do his homework but ended up in the midst of chaotic protesters who were running from police officers. The police shot him eight times during the action. He was found with eight guns secured on his body.
Kenyans across the country and outside the country have expressed their dissatisfaction with the president's comment across all social media platforms. Many feel that the president demonstrated a lack of empathy and understanding of the gravity of the situation. The protests, which turned violent, saw police using excessive force, and many were shocked by the discovery of the boy with the firearms.
In the interview, the president acknowledged the chaotic nature of the protests, focusing on the property lost and the challenges faced by the police in maintaining order. However, he did not show any empathy for the deceased, which has angered Kenyans.
He emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring public safety but fell short of addressing the specific incident involving the boy in a manner that many had hoped for. Instead, his response was seen as dismissive, causing further frustration among the public.
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The boy's mother, along with many other citizens, is seeking justice and clearer answers regarding the events that led to her son being caught up in such a dangerous situation.