President William Ruto has insisted, “I have no blood on my hands,” as the nation grapples with the aftermath of violent clashes that resulted in numerous fatalities. The protests were triggered by the government's decision to substantially increase taxes, leading to significant unrest across the country.
According to a report by Daily Post, Hundreds of Kenyans marched in the capital, Nairobi, on Sunday to honor those who lost their lives during the protests earlier this week. Rights groups report that at least 30 people were killed during the demonstrations, although President Ruto, in a television interview, cited a lower figure of 19 fatalities—the first official tally provided by the authorities. He has promised a thorough investigation into the deaths.
The demonstrations, which began as largely peaceful rallies, turned violent on Tuesday when lawmakers passed the unpopular tax hikes following pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Protesters stormed the parliament complex, leading to a violent response from police, who opened fire, and a subsequent fire broke out.
“I have no blood on my hands,” President Ruto asserted during the interview with Kenyan TV. Addressing the deaths, he remarked, “It is very unfortunate. As a democracy, that should not be part of our conversation.” He pledged that there would be an investigation into how the 19 people died, ensuring accountability for each death. “The police have done the best they could,” Ruto stated. “If there have been any excesses, we have mechanisms to make sure that those excesses are dealt with.”
He also emphasized that any law enforcement officers who acted outside the bounds of the law would face consequences. “Any killer cop who went beyond what is provided for in the law will have action taken against them,” he assured.
President Ruto also warned that those who attacked the parliament during the protests would be held accountable. “Criminals infiltrated and caused mayhem,” he said. “Those who attacked Parliament and the judiciary are on CCTV. Many of them are on the run, but we will catch them,” he added.
The president’s remarks followed his earlier decision to reverse course on the controversial finance bill, stating that he would “listen to the people” and would not sign the bill into law. Reflecting on this decision, Ruto acknowledged that it meant the government would have to borrow heavily and that they had effectively set back progress by nearly two years. “We should have communicated better,” he admitted. “If I am given a chance to explain to the people of Kenya what the finance bill was all about and what it would have done for them, then every Kenyan would agree with me.”
The protests, which have been described as unprecedented in the history of Kenya since its independence from Britain in 1963, highlight the deep-seated frustrations and economic pressures facing many Kenyans. On Saturday, a few hundred people gathered in Uhuru Park in central Nairobi, following an appeal on social media. The peaceful demonstration saw participants singing, lighting candles, waving Kenyan flags, and chanting as they marched past the hospital where some injured protesters were being treated. The demonstrators dispersed peacefully late in the afternoon, maintaining the somber tone of the memorial.
The violent clashes and subsequent deaths have sparked a national dialogue on the balance between economic reforms and public welfare. The government’s initial push for tax increases was driven by a need to address fiscal deficits and meet IMF conditions, but the severe backlash has prompted a reconsideration of how such policies are communicated and implemented.
President Ruto's commitment to investigating the deaths and holding those responsible accountable, both within the police force and among the protesters, is a critical step in addressing the grievances and restoring public trust. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the findings will influence future policy decisions and the broader political landscape in Kenya.