President William Ruto has spoken on the latest incident calling for calm and demurring responsibility for the death of 19 Kenyans during the protests.
During the Presidential Roundtable, Ruto continued to explain that he has no blood of the victims on his hands, further answering that 19 people are dead that should not be discussed in a democratic country.
The recent remarks by the President were made in the backdrop of an increase in protests and the trending hashtag, #RutoMustGo.
The protests can mainly be attributed to the section 5 of the Finance Bill 2024, which has stirred criticism and has been used as a rallying point for the activists and the leaders of the opposition.
Former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter was particularly arrested over these protests in terms that stirred political persecution controversy. He also responded to the hashtag during the same roundtable, where he supported citizens’ freedom of speech and democratic participation.
‘Everyone has their own opinion, I have a job to do, citizens are at liberty to discuss what they want to discuss and the results are developments and features of democracy,’ he said.
Ruto’s speeches continue to reaffirm his government’s believe in democracy, this is in light of numerous challenges and criticisms from all fronts.
Given the current imprest, the President’s appeal to communication that adheres to non-violent principles, and recognition of democratic liberty seeks to usher the nation back to stability and constructive debate. It remains uncertain as citizens and politicians react to protests by the government and the deaths that have ensued from such protests.