NAIROBI, June 29 (NNN-KBC) — President William Ruto has strongly condemned the increasing attacks on police officers during recent protests and reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for Kenya’s security agencies.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi during a meeting with security and National Government Administration officers from across the country, the President described the recent scenes of violence and lawlessness as unacceptable, warning those attacking police officers that they will be held accountable.
“We cannot have a country where criminals run after our policemen. If a policeman’s life is in danger, then, how can our families be safe? This trend must change,” he asserted
President Ruto stated, vowing a swift response to those who injured officers and destroyed property during the riots on June 25.
“The criminals that attacked our officers and destroyed property in the Wednesday mayhem will be held to account,” he said
We cannot have a country where criminals are running after police officers,” he declared.
More than 300 police officers were injured in the chaos that erupted during the protests. President Ruto underscored the importance of supporting the men and women in uniform and ensuring their protection as they safeguard the country.
“We will stand by every man and woman in uniform, and protect them, as they discharge their duties. That is how we will have a more secure and stable Kenya where meaningful development occurs,” he said
While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protest, the President stressed that what transpired was far from peaceful.
“Protests must be peaceful and unarmed. What we witnessed last week were riots, not demonstrations.”
He proposed that Parliament and the Judiciary consider enacting a law to regulate public demonstrations to protect both protesters and non-protesters alike.
“Protests as per the constitution must be peaceful and undertaken by people who are unarmed, what we saw last week were riots, people armed with all manner of weapons,”
“I think it is time that we have a law that will regulate how we carry out demonstrations in Kenya. We must protect the rights of those who want to demonstrate but equally we must protect the rights of those who do not want to participate,” he said
President Ruto warned that if police are threatened and public order collapses, criminal gangs could take control.
“If you threaten and harm the police who are supposed to provide security for you and your families, you are setting up yourself for failure. Once you don’t have security provided by the State, gangs will take over,” he cautioned
The Head of state called for unity, discipline, and a renewed sense of national responsibility. — NNN-KBC
