While facing off at the Presidential Roundtable, President William Ruto confronted journalist, Linus Kaikai concerning questions about the existence of CCTV footage that allegedly implicates the police in the killing of protesters.
This has however fueled a lot of controversy over police behavior during the on-going protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
At first, President Ruto said that CCTV was to be relied upon in identifying the culprits in the recent violence.
“Yes, there is CCTV footage and the criminals will be apprehended,” Ruto said.
Nonetheless, opposition leader demanding more from President, Linus Kaikai said they have video of police executing civilians which elicited anger from Ruto.
“Were you there?” the President said to the journalist in response to the latter’s statement.
This exchange is indicative of escalating tensions and diminishing public confidence in police management of the protests that have claimed the lives of 19 people.
Government policies in law enforcement have been criticized for being oppressive with law enforcement agencies being accused of human rights abuses.
President Ruto’s response adds to the dynamics of opposition between the government and the media on the one hand and the general public on the other seeking independence and free speech.
The President has repeatedly demanded that people protest in a nonviolent manner and has made it clear that there is a difference between the protesters and the criminals.
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