President William Ruto has warned that the country's moral fabric is at risk of decay if the manipulation of the digital spaces, more especially that of social media, is going to continue.
The Head of State has noted that some Kenyans are misusing social media platforms to amplify anti-social behaviours which to him are eroding moral values.
In his New Year address to the country from the Kisii State Lodge, President Ruto said the maintenance of the social fabric and the promotion of a strong value system is a collective responsibility that requires the efforts of all stakeholders.
President Ruto's remarks come in the wake of increased cases of abductions that have been reported in the country of young people who have been perceived as being critical of his leadership.
Latest victims of alleged police abductions and enforced disappearances include Gideon Kibet, Ronny Kiplagat, Steve Kavingo Mbisi, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli and Kelvin Muthoni.
As of now, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights records show that 82 abduction cases have been recorded since June, with 29 people still missing. Seven of these cases were reported in the last two weeks alone.
Thus far, no single police officer involved in the cases of extrajudicial killings, abductions or use of excessive force during the protests has been charged, a fact that has angered many Kenyans who have been demanding for action.
The youths, who have now gone missing for several days, are said to have been abducted by the police as one way of silencing them, leaving their parents and relatives in anguish.
This has caused public uproar, as calls to have them released fall on deaf ears. The police through Inspector General Douglas Kanja have denied any involvement in the abductions.
The President acknowledged cases of extrajudicial killings by members of the security services adding that due process was underway in appropriate institutions to ensure accountability.
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“It is crucial to remember that every freedom has its limits and that public safety and order must always supersede the desire for unchecked liberty. We must ensure that our pursuit of rights and freedoms does not compromise our collective or individual safety, nor should we allow criminals to exploit constitutional rights to harm and destroy others," Dr Ruto said.
To bring an end to this unbecoming behaviour, President Ruto asked faith-based organisations, the education system, and law-and-order institutions to support and complement the family’s fundamental role in nurturing compassionate, responsible citizens who are empowered to propel the country forward.
"As a society, we have a legitimate expectation that the next generations, benefiting from the accumulation of socio- economic, scientific, and technological advancements, will bring greater energy, better ideas, clearer vision, and a stronger commitment to our shared values. We should be humane, responsible, and well-grounded citizens whose actions promote unity, patriotism, democracy, the rule of law, and our rights and freedoms, rather than sabotaging them," the Head of State said.
He urged parents not to walk away from their children nor abandon them to the vagaries of current times.
"This is essential, as all the transformations we undertake today will mean little if our young people are left without sound guidance, moral mentorship and ethical support," President Ruto added.
Dr Ruto added that he will continue extending an invitation to all stakeholders, in their diversity, to join the national conversation and explore the best ways to implement an all-of-society strategy and approach to counter moral decay and reset the country's moral compass.
He promoted his broad-based government and said he will continue engaging in national conversations with leaders from various political formations to extend the principle of inclusiveness without compromising the fundamental values of competitive democracy and diversity of viewpoints.
"Our goal is to enhance, not diminish, our identity as a free, open, and democratic society founded on constitutionalism and the rule of law. We are making meaningful progress, which, if sustained, will establish us as a mature democracy firmly anchored in a sustainable political culture" Dr Ruto said.
He lauded Kenyans for standing tall in the year 2024 and urged them to remain even more resilient in the New Year 2025.
The President stated that the nation faced serious challenges and great difficulties yet the people did more than endure standing together in unity, working with determination, and overcoming these obstacles.
“Because we are Kenyans, an indomitable, courageous, and enterprising people unafraid of hard work, because we are resilient champions who strive to win and face every challenge with dedication and stamina, we achieved progress despite significant difficulties," the President said.
The Head of State urged Kenyans to approach the New Year with optimism and a renewed commitment, not only to work harder and achieve greater progress, but also to transform themselves and turn every challenge into an opportunity.
"In 2025, the seeds we have patiently and carefully planted will continue to germinate and grow. The progress we have made has set us firmly on a path of rapid and sustainable growth. As a result, we can anticipate stronger economic performance, more jobs for our youth, and higher incomes for farmers and entrepreneurs," the President said.
First Lady Rachel Ruto, top government officials, local leaders and other invited guests joined the head of state in ushering in the New Year at the State Lodge.
This was the first time for a sitting Kenyan President to address the nation on New Year’s Eve outside major cities.
Most Gusii leaders were present. Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Senator Richard Onyonka however did not attend the event.
Senator Onyonka said he had declined an invitation to grace the ceremony, citing that the Kenya Kwanza administration had failed to stop increasing cases on abductions and forced disappearances among other reasons.
South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro said Governor Arati had sent his apology for having travelled outside the country without knowing that the President would be in Kisii to usher in the New Year.
