Kenyan President William Ruto has vowed to stop the ongoing anti-government protests, promising to protect the nation from what he described as “anonymous, faceless, formless, sponsored people” causing chaos.
Speaking after a church service in Bomet County, Ruto declared, “I want to promise you that there will be no more protests; they are going to stop. Enough is enough!”
He stated that Kenya, as a democracy, should resolve issues through peaceful and democratic means, not through violence and anarchy.
“Going forward we will protect the nation, we will protect life, we will protect property, we will stop the looters, stop the killers, stop mayhem and anarchy because Kenya is a democracy and we want a peaceful and stable nation because our issues are resolved using democratic means,” he said.
President Ruto mentioned the concessions his administration has made, including withdrawing the Finance Bill 2024 and dismissing nearly the entire Cabinet, yet the protests persist.
He criticised the protesters, led by Generation Zoomers (GenZs), for refusing to engage in dialogue and continuing their disruptive actions.
“I have given a chance to everybody to say whatever they wanted to say, it cannot continue like this. The country is much more important than any group of people. We must stand together as a nation, protect the nation and make sure Kenya is a democracy.
“I dropped the Finance Bill, I called them to come to the table and talk to me, they refused and asked me to go to X, I went there but they ran away. I have called them for talks but they have refused, saying they are faceless and formless. It cannot continue like this…” he said.
Ruto warned that his government would take firm action against those causing destruction and loss of life.
“We will deal firmly and resolutely with those who are engaged in mayhem, anarchy, destroying people’s property, causing the death of Kenyans, loss of property and looting in the Republic of Kenya.”
The protests, demanding Ruto’s resignation and accusing his administration of failing to deliver on promises, have led to violence and property damage, with over 50 people killed.
The demonstrators are also calling for the removal of recently nominated Cabinet members, whom they see as recycled figures from the old administration.
Ruto accused alleged sponsors of the protests of attempting to destabilise the government and urged them to come forward and present their views openly.
The Head of State also called on the media to report responsibly, accusing them of allegedly fuelling the unrest.
“The media should not be seen like they are encouraging the destruction of property and loss of lives that has been happening in the country. That is irresponsible reporting. If the country burns there will be nothing to report about and nowhere to report from,” he said.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has demanded justice for the victims of police brutality, the dismissal of protest-related cases, and the release of detainees.
He proposed a National Conversation to address issues like governance, the high cost of living, tribalism, corruption, and fiscal management.
Ruto’s administration faces intense scrutiny and challenges as the nation braces for another round of protests, with the youth determined to continue their fight against what they see as a failing government.
The Kenyan government has also accused the US-based Ford Foundation of funding the protests, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
