President William Ruto has cautioned against violence and destruction of property ahead of the June 25 anniversary of last year’s anti-government protests, saying Kenyans must exercise their constitutional rights within the law.
Speaking on Friday during the National Productivity and Performance Conference in Nairobi, the President said the country would continue to protect the right to peaceful demonstrations but warned against actions that could disrupt businesses, public services and economic activity.
Ruto maintained that freedom of expression and the right to protest should not be used as a basis for lawlessness.
“We are a country that believes viciously in order, we are a civilised nation, we are an organised society, we believe in the rule of law,” he said.
The President’s remarks come days before June 25, a date that has become closely associated with last year’s Gen Z-led protests that saw thousands of Kenyans take to the streets in opposition to government policies.
With the approaching anniversary, the question of commemorative demonstration has generated controversy both online and in public.
Ruto argued that all Kenyans have the right to vent their anger through legal means, which include demonstrations and petitions, but at the same time, he stressed the need for peace and security.
The president said that workers, businessmen, and investors ought to carry out their activities unhindered, warning that insecurity might cause any gains that the nation has already made in the economy to be undone.
The issue has not gone unnoticed by diplomats from foreign nations.
Thursday saw the US Embassy in Nairobi release a security advisory to its citizens warning them about any demonstrations that could occur in Nairobi and other big cities.
The advisory warns that the protests can occur spontaneously and lead to heavy traffic, road blocks, and presence of enhanced security in the CBD.
The June 25 protests anniversary is a big day for many Kenyan youth who took part in the protests that opened up national debate on issues of good governance and accountability as well as cost of living.
As the debate surrounding the anniversary continues, the government has stated that it will respect the right to assemble peacefully while taking action against persons engaging in violence, looting or destroying property.
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