President William Ruto has called for a national conversation in response to ongoing anti-government protests. The protests organized by the Azimio la Umoja Coalition have been growing in nature and size across the country.
The president was speaking on Saturday July 15, during the homecoming ceremony for Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo in Homa Bay.
The President expressed concern over the destructive nature of the protests. He lamented that the protests have resulted in loss of lives and damage to property across the country. He cautioned that the country risked descending into anarchy if Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga continued to mobilize people against the government.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to demonstrate, Ruto emphasized the need for an open and honest dialogue about the protests and their consequences.
“Our friends have said that they will be staging demonstrations. It’s okay for them to demonstrate because that is guaranteed in the Constitution.”
“However, we must have a candid national conversation about the protests, especially, on what amounts to demonstration. We cannot use the excuse of demonstrations to destroy both public and private property of Kenyans,” Ruto said.
The president urged Kenyans, including Raila, to participate in this conversation. This will ensure that protests do not destabilize the nation and harm its citizens.
Ruto made it clear that he would not shirk his responsibilities as the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. He vowed to exercise his mandate to protect lives and property, regardless of the actions of protesters.
The President stressed the importance of peace as the foundation for progress. He emphasized that those who call for protests must take responsibility for any damage caused during the demonstrations.
Ruto also emphasized the need for a national conversation to address the concerns of ordinary Kenyans. He added that this would ultimately improve the quality of life, including addressing the cost of living.
