President Ruto Hails Police For Upholding Peace During Anti-Government Protests

President William Ruto has praised police officers for their role in maintaining peace during the Azimio la Umoja-led anti-government protests on Wednesday.

Speaking at a roadside address in Isiolo on Thursday, Ruto said that police officers were steadfast in protecting the lives and property of Kenyans, even as the protesters engaged in fierce running battles with anti-riot police officers.

“I want to congratulate our police for being bold and ensuring that there is peace and ensuring that action is taken on all offenders so that we ensure that there is peace in Kenya and people’s property is protected,” he said.

“Kenya is the only place we call home and we must protect it by all means.”

Ruto also condemned those who engaged in the vandalization of property across the nation, asserting that any sabotage of the nation’s healing economy will not be condoned.

“The people of Kenya do not want violence, chaos, anarchy, or destruction of property and businesses. The people of Kenya have said we are a democratic country, we respect the votes of ordinary citizens and when the people of Kenya have spoken it is like God has spoken,” he said.

“There is no way we are going to change what our democracy stands for and what our country stands for. All of us must protect our country and every Kenyan has said that we cannot sabotage our economy using violence.”

The aftermath of the day-long protests saw a total of 5 people being killed, 38 injuries were reported and 300 people were arrested.

Ruto’s sentiments come after the United Nations censured local authorities for what they termed as use of deadly force to stamp out anti-government demonstrations across the country.

The UN human rights office said in a statement that it was “deeply concerned” by the use of live ammunition and tear gas by police against protesters in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru and Mombasa.