The president said all arms of government must live within their means.
The nationwide demonstrations signalled that President William Ruto had failed to appease a spontaneous youth protest movement, despite having abandoned plans for tax rises that triggered the unrest last week.
They have suffered huge losses following cases of looting and vandalism on Luthuli Avenue, Moi Avenue, and Tom Mboya Street, which have forced them to close their shops.
The president’s decision has sparked debate among legal experts and the public on what grounds he withdrew a bill that had already been passed by the National Assembly.
This approach is informed by the fact that law enforcement bodies continue to do the bidding of the regime in power, rather than of Kenyan citizens, as required by the country’s constitution.
Though not listed among protected areas, conditions set by parliament are that demonstrations or protests are not permitted within its precincts and neither are visits allowed without due process.
President Ruto, nonetheless, made it clear that those protestors who engage in criminal-like activities will be dealt with accordingly.
President Ruto appeared to downplay protest calls for his resignation, for reasons including a bloated budget, mega corruption, excessive taxation, and the lack of proper basic services.
The president also responded to concerns about government officials distributing millions of shillings in church harambees and living lavish lifestyles.
While explaining that his work, since taking office in September 2022, has been to pull Kenya out of the debt trap, he regretted that the rejection of the bill would come with serious consequences.
The head of state noted that some of these people overwhelmed police officers and also attacked members of the public.
The president defended his decision to form a multi-sectoral forum to engage young people but noted that it was only a suggestion.
Records show that at least 39 people were taken from various locations by people believed to be police officers, held for hours for unknown reasons, and released without formal charges or court appearances.
The president emphasised that since taking office, he has remained committed to ensuring the National Police Service operates independently.
Ruto appeared to pass the blame to the police service, saying it does not report to him and that it must have had a reason to act the way it did.
This follows a series of events, some of them deadly, around the Finance Bill 2024, and severe criticism for the government over recurring issues such as corruption and police brutality.
They criticised Gachagua for allegedly failing to advise President Ruto as his Principal Assistant on measures that should have been taken to prevent the loss of lives during the anti-tax protests.
So determined are Gen Z protesters that traditional political players are grappling to catch the attention of the youngsters
The government in its intention to form a National Multi Sectoral Forum tasked with engaging youths, requested various sectoral forums in the country to nominate representatives to constitute the new body.
