President William Ruto on Wednesday issued his most forceful warning yet in response to the recent waves of anti-government protests, threatening to use extreme force against demonstrators involved in the looting and destruction of property.
The government, the President said, would not allow chaos to erode development gains made over the years. Lamenting that recent protests had seen “property belonging to innocent citizens” burnt, Dr Ruto warned that “everyone found to have participated in that chaos will be jailed”.
“And to their leaders, we are coming for you. You cannot sponsor violence and walk away free. We cannot have a nation that is governed by violence. And it will not happen on my watch. We will not let thugs destabilise this nation,” said the President, who spoke during the inspection of government projects in Kilimani, Nairobi. The Head of State cautioned those targeting police stations and law enforcement officers, saying, no country can thrive under the threat of violence and lawlessness. He said attacking security officers and installations amounted to “a declaration of war”.
Ruto: Attacking or raiding a police station is declaring war
“Anyone who attacks a police station and beats up police officers — that’s not acceptable. Enough is enough. I will protect the Republic of Kenya. Let me repeat. Those who attack our security installations, including police stations [are committing acts of] terrorism,” he said.
“We must tell each other the truth. Were all the youth employed before? Now you want to raise chaos. These leaders who are running out of ideas say they won’t wait until 2027, that they’ll incite the public and overthrow the government through chaos. Let them try, and they will learn the hard way,” he said.
“To those plotting in the shadows, let me tell you clearly. If you have ambitions, prepare your (manifestos) and meet me (at the ballot) in 2027. There is no short-cut, no back-door,” he added.
The United Nations (UN) and human rights groups have accused the police of using excessive force to quell anti-government protests. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 31 people were killed in Monday’s Saba Saba protests and more than 100 people injured while about 532 arrested. This number contradicts figures given by the National Police Service, which says only 11 people died .
President Ruto dismisses court order on blocking access to Nairobi CBD
Dr Ruto defended the police against accusations of brutality. He ordered them to shoot looters and arsonists in the legs, ensuring they are incapacitated but not killed.
“Anyone caught burning another person's business or property should be shot in the leg, hospitalised, and later taken to court. Don't kill them, but ensure their legs are broken,” he said.
Reacting to recent events on Wednesday, the Inter-religious Council of Kenya issued a statement saying the country was in a “sad and dangerous state”, blaming this on the “fight by the dominant political elite to acquire, protect and consolidate political and economic power.”
“We are ready and willing to offer mediation between the government, the youth and all other actors to promote peaceful coexistence and understanding,” said the council’s Chairperson Rt Rev Willybard Lagho and Executive Director Linus Nthigai.
“In our careful consideration, the state, led by the President, can and must restore public trust by ensuring senior state perpetrators of violence and financial scandals face the law through meaningful prosecutions,” they said.
Gachagua fires back at Ruto over coup allegations
While some politicians have tried to align themselves with the protest movement, its organisers have maintained that the demonstrations are organic and people-driven, born out of deep frustrations with the high cost of living, unemployment, and poor governance.
“Why cause all the chaos during my time? Why (not) during President Kibaki's or President Uhuru's? ”Dr Ruto posed, while vowing to protect people’s businesses. “That is my constitutional duty, and I will do it with the full force of the law,” he stated.
