President William Ruto has vowed to take action against police officers who violated the law during the anti-Finance Bill protests. Under increasing pressure from activists, Ruto addressed nearly 200,000 followers on X, assuring that any officers involved in abductions and illegal arrests would be held accountable.
“If anything is done outside the procedure, then it is illegal and punishable by law,” Ruto stated during the online engagement. He emphasized that any verified details regarding misconduct would lead to appropriate action.
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However, Ruto firmly denied allegations that 200 people were killed in Githurai during the protests, calling such claims unverified and potentially harmful. “We are dealing with a very serious issue. Please let us not use information that is not verified. It helps to create a situation that is not correct," he urged.
The President invited those with evidence to bring forward the names and family members of the alleged victims. “Bring them to State House. The family members who are saying I have lost so and so, a member of my family was there on Monday last week, he went to maandamano and he didn’t come back and where possibly are the bodies,” Ruto said.
Human rights activists have demanded the government take responsibility for harms caused to Kenyans during the protests. They called for public acknowledgment of the violations and measures to provide remedies, including free healthcare, compensation, and a public apology. The activists also urged the government to waive medical bills and cover burial expenses for victims.
The activists highlighted the need to address historical injustices and human rights violations, including the non-implementation of the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission. They stressed the importance of adequate resource allocation to enhance the capacities of independent constitutional commissions to oversee government actions.
In response, Ruto reiterated that police must follow proper procedures when making arrests. “When the police arrest someone, they must declare to the person they are officers and the reason they are arresting the person. They must also take the suspect to a place that is known. Claims of abductions is a matter that I will take up and deal with it,” he asserted.
This comes after Interior CS Kithure Kindiki denied reports of government abductions during the protests. He clarified that any detentions were legal arrests, not abductions.
Last week, the Law Society of Kenya and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leadership reported at least 39 persons missing during the protests. This ongoing issue continues to draw significant attention and demands for justice from various quarters.