NAIROBI, Kenya, June 30 – President William Ruto has defended his administration against accusations of wrongdoing following the deaths of more than 20 people during recent anti-Finance Bill protests, while also pledging action on police excesses.
Speaking during a media conference at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto insisted that his government operates within the law and expressed deep regret over the loss of lives. “Any life lost must concern everyone, including me. I will give the mother of the 12-year-old an explanation of what happened and ensure accountability,” he assured.
Ruto acknowledged the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy in Rongai who suffered eight bullet wounds, describing the incident as “unfortunate” and underscoring that such occurrences should not happen in a democratic society. He pledged to reach out to the boy’s family to provide an explanation and seek accountability.
The President revealed that property worth Sh2.4 billion was either destroyed or set ablaze during the protests. He maintained that criminal elements had exploited the demonstrations to cause destruction, including the burning of Parliament and other critical government infrastructure.
“I have kept my promise that there would be no extrajudicial killings in Kenya,” Ruto asserted, reaffirming his stance against unlawful state actions. He emphasized that he runs a responsible government that is committed to upholding the law.
President Ruto also addressed the trending hashtag #RutoMustGo, stating that it does not bother him as Kenyans have a constitutional right to express their opinions and hold his administration accountable. “Everybody is entitled to their opinion. I have a job to do. Citizens are free to engage in any discourse they want. Those are the fruits and signs of a democracy,” he remarked, downplaying the impact of the hashtag.
In response to claims by human rights organisations that 24 lives were lost during the protests, Ruto insisted that the official count is 19. “I have no blood on my hands. According to the records I have, 19 people died. It’s very unfortunate, and in a democracy, that should not be part of our conversation,” he stated.
The President’s remarks come amid ongoing tension and scrutiny over the government’s handling of the protests and the subsequent fatalities. He reiterated his commitment to addressing the concerns raised and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Kenya.
