President William Ruto has stated that he is not responsible for the deaths of dozens of protesters killed during the recent anti-tax protests that affected 35 out of 47 counties in Kenya.
In a television interview, Ruto reported the death toll at 19—the first official figures released by the authorities—and promised a full investigation into the deaths.
The largely peaceful rallies turned violent on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, after lawmakers passed deeply unpopular tax increases following pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Police opened fire on protesters who stormed the parliament complex, resulting in a fire.
“I have no blood on my hands,” said Ruto during the interview with Kenyan journalists. Referring to the deaths, he said, “It is very unfortunate. As a democracy, that should not be part of our conversation.”
“There will be an investigation on how these 19 Kenyans died,” he added. “There will be an explanation for each and every one of them. The police have done the best they could. If there have been any excesses, we have mechanisms to make sure that those excesses are dealt with.”
Ruto also stated, “Any killer cop who went beyond what is provided for in the law will have action taken against them.”
However, he warned that those who attacked parliament would also 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.”
