Kenya: President Ruto Says Happy With Police Work in Protecting Property During Protests

20 July 2023
Capital FM (Nairobi)
By Phidel Kizito

Isiolo — President William Ruto now says that he is pleased with the police work in protecting property during the anti-government protests.

Speaking in Isiolo Thursday, the head of state told them that they did a good job in protecting government properties as well as businesses.

"I want to thank the police for staying steadfast and ensuring that there is peace by taking actions against all criminals and ensuring that all government properties as well as businesses are protected, "said the head of state.

The president at the same time reiterated that there will be no handshake between him and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

The Kenya Kwanza administration has come under sharp criticism from various sectors including the clergy, the opposition and the diplomatic core for using excessive force on demonstrators.

"We all have an obligation to pursue peace. we have no other country to run to," said Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria who was in the company of other bishops on Wednesday.

The United Nations Human Rights Office on their part had cautioned the police against using excess force on protestors.

"The policing of protest must seek to facilitate peaceful assemblies and any use of force must be guided by the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and nondiscrimination," cautioned Jeremy Laurence UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson

Yesterday alone at least three people were shot dead as police battled protesters in anti-government demonstrations called by Opposition leader Raila Odinga over the high cost of living.

According to government reports through interior cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki, more than 300 people were arrested during the demonstrations in various towns and are set to face charges.

Kindiki did not however reveal casualties in the anti government demonstrations.

Several Azimio affiliated politicians including Embakasi East law maker Babu Owino are among those arrested and still being held in police custody pending their arraignment in court to face charges.

Azimio maintains that they will not be swayed in their quest for lowering the cost of living even as the government moves in to crack down on them.

Read the original article on Capital FM.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2023 Capital FM. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.