Kenya’s president backs the police after recent protests

Kenyan President William Ruto broke his silence over the recent anti-government protests that killed dozens, stating on July 9th that he will now allow “anarchy” in the country disguised as peaceful demonstrations, according to a report by Africa News via The Guardian on July 10th.

Kenya’s president stated, “Enough is enough,” and urged the police to “shoot in the leg” those involved in looting and burning businesses in Kenya. Previous protests angered Kenyan citizens after a blogger died in police custody in June.

Tensions rose after a policeman shot a civilian at close range during one of the protests against police brutality. Thousands of Kenyans turned out for protests on June 25th, which marked the first anniversary of the huge anti-tax protests.

On July 7th, Kenyan police built roadblocks on all roads leading to the city centre in Nairobi, blocking all motorists, pedestrians not considered essential for work in the capital.

Different clashes in the country occurred, as well as in the outskirts of Nairobi. 17 out of 47 counties across Kenya left 31 people dead and roughly 100 people injured, as well as more than 500 people arrested during these brutalities. Dead people previously died during different waves of protests in Kenya, totaling up to 50.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on July 8th urged that the issues leading to the protests be addressed. Ruto claimed on July 9th that the discontent was politically motivated and said that he would not allow the destruction of property.

“You can call me whatever names you want to call me, but I will make sure there is peace and stability in Kenya, by all means,” President Ruto states. Ruto then read a riot act to his political rivals, who he said want to overthrow his government through violence.

“This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient and who want to have a change of government using unconstitutional means. It is not going to happen,” President Ruto added.

Civil society repeatedly called out the restraints imposed by police during protests. Five police officers were charged in court over the death of a Kenyan blogger and the close-range shooting at a vendor in Nairobi. 

The deputy police inspector general Eliud Langat, who had filed a complaint about the blogger’s social media posts accusing him of corruption, has been set aside as investigations are still being pursued.

Africa news via The Guardian, Maghrebi.org.