- President Ruto has broken his silence over the violent protests, calling them planned attacks on the economy and small traders.
- He expressed sorrow for the lives lost and businesses destroyed, blaming criminal groups hiding behind protests.
- While supporting peaceful demonstrations, Ruto said the recent chaos was not genuine activism but organised destruction.
- He ordered security agencies to investigate and act quickly to bring those behind the mayhem to justice.
President William Ruto came out strongly against the demonstrations that rocked several towns on June 25, warning that the violent turn of events had caused serious harm to small businesses and the economy. Addressing the nation during the International MSMEs Day, he said it was a tragic day for hardworking Kenyans.
Ruto criticised those behind the unrest, saying what happened wasn’t a peaceful protest, but a well-planned attack aimed at causing fear and economic damage. He mourned the loss of lives and property, pointing fingers at those who took advantage of the moment to loot and destroy.
The President painted a grim picture of the aftermath—businesses reduced to ashes, market stalls flattened, and investments worth billions destroyed. “This isn’t about freedom,” he said, “It’s disorder being sold as democracy.”
Ruto challenged the public to think deeply about what true freedom looks like. “Is burning someone’s shop a way to demand rights? Is destroying what took years to build part of activism?” he asked, making it clear that such acts were not acts of justice but pure sabotage.
Law to Take Its Full Course
He directed the police and relevant agencies to waste no time in arresting those responsible, stressing that accountability must be swift and firm. “We must unmask every person behind these crimes and ensure they face the law,” he said.
In closing, the Head of State reassured the country that the government will protect citizens, businesses, and the rule of law. “This is our home. We either grow it or break it—there is no middle ground,” he said.
