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President Ruto: This was treason

President William Ruto

By Amina Wako and Mary Wambui | Tuesday, June 25, 2024

He said that he will continue to lead a government that is fully committed to protecting the sovereignty of the country and protecting lives.

President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to those allegedly behind the chaos that erupted during today's anti-Finance Bill protest.

He stated that while the protests by Gen Zs were peaceful, they were hijacked by criminal elements. The President reaffirmed the government's commitment to fulfilling its constitutional obligation to safeguard the nation's security and maintain order.

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"We will not tolerate any form of lawlessness. The government will uphold its constitutional mandate to protect the nation," he said in his national address on Tuesday night.

Police officers try to disperse protesters during a demonstration against Kenya's proposed finance bill 2024/2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, June 25, 2024. (Reuters)

He said that he will continue to lead a government that is fully committed to protecting the sovereignty of the country and protecting lives.

"The country shall treat every threat to the state as an existential danger to Kenya's security. The government will provide a swift, full and effective response to today's treasonous event," Ruto said.

He noted that he has information that the persons behind the violence could be planning repeat violence but assured Kenyans that security apparatus will be deployed to protect lives and property.

Before Ruto's presser, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to support the National Police Service in managing ongoing demonstrations.

According to a gazette notice issued on Tuesday evening, the decision was made in response to a security emergency caused by violent protests in various parts of the country, resulting in destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure.

"Pursuant to Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya as read with sections 31 (1) (a), 31 (1) (c), 33 (1), 34 (1) and 34 (2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act, (Cap. 199), the Kenya Defence Forces is deployed on the June 25, 2024 in support of the National Police Service," the gazette notice read.

The protests, which began on Tuesday, were sparked by the passage of the contentious Finance Bill 2024 by Members of Parliament.

The protests ended in the evening following a day of violence that increased as goons broke into the homes of finance committee chairman Kuria Kimani’s, Kieni MP Njoroge Maina’s supermarket, majority leader Kimani Ichung’wa home and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi’s club.

Ruto’s statement was followed by a statement by former President Uhuru Kenyatta who reminded leaders that power is temporary and urged for dialogue to settle the current stalemate over Finance Bill 2024.