Nairobi, Kenya – In the wake of escalating tension and protests over a controversial finance bill, Kenya’s President William Ruto addressed the nation on Tuesday, calling for calm and assuring citizens that the government is taking decisive action to prevent further unrest.
“Today’s events marked a critical turning point in how we respond to grave threats to our national security. I assure the nation that the government has mobilised all resources at the nation’s disposal to ensure that a situation of this nature will not recur again, at whatever cost,” President Ruto stated in a televised address.
The unrest, which saw angry protesters storm the national assembly as Members of Parliament debated the finance bill, resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries as police fired live ammunition to disperse the crowd. This incident has intensified the already heated debate over the bill, which many Kenyans believe will impose an additional tax burden on citizens, particularly salary earners.
The controversial bill has sparked widespread anger, with citizens taking to the streets to express their dissatisfaction. Among the concerns are new taxes that opponents argue will disproportionately affect lower and middle-income families, exacerbating the economic hardships faced by many in the country.
The protests have also drawn international attention, with human rights organisations and foreign governments expressing concern over the government’s handling of the demonstrations.
Adding to the tension, Faith Odhiambo, President of the Kenya Law Society, made a startling revelation on Tuesday, stating that 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, had been “abducted” by individuals believed to be police officers. “This is a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the fundamental rights of our citizens,” Odhiambo said in a press conference, calling for immediate action to locate and release the abducted individuals.
In his address, President Ruto acknowledged the grievances of the protesters but emphasised the need for law and order. He promised to engage with the youth and other stakeholders to find a resolution. “I commit to providing a framework for a conversation to be processed and its outcomes to be implemented,” he said, extending an olive branch to the nation’s youth, who have been at the forefront of the protests.
