By Ollus Ndomu
In the aftermath of anti-government protests that led to at least 30 deaths in Kenya, President William Ruto has addressed the nation, asserting that he bears no responsibility for the bloodshed while pledging an investigation into the reported fatalities.
The demonstrations, sparked by government proposals to significantly increase taxes, escalated into violence last week in Nairobi and other parts of the country. As hundreds gathered in Nairobi on Sunday to commemorate those who lost their lives during the protests, President Ruto spoke out in a televised interview, expressing regret over the deaths.
“I have no blood on my hands,” Ruto affirmed during the interview with Kenyan TV. “It is very unfortunate. As a democracy, that should not be part of our conversation,” he added, referring to the fatalities resulting from the protests.
The president assured the public that an investigation would be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. He also emphasized accountability for any law enforcement officers found to have acted unlawfully during the protests.
“Any killer cop who went beyond what is provided for in the law will have action taken against them,” Ruto stated, addressing concerns about police conduct during the demonstrations.
The protests and subsequent deaths have raised significant concerns both domestically and internationally, with human rights groups calling for transparency in the investigation and accountability for those responsible for the violence. The government’s handling of the protests and its aftermath will likely continue to be scrutinized amid ongoing tensions over the proposed tax increases and their impact on Kenyan citizens.
As investigations proceed, Kenyans are keenly watching for further developments and assurances of justice for the victims and their families.
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