President William Ruto has declared that he has no blood on his hands following the deadly protests. Speaking on Sunday, June 30, 2024, President Ruto insisted that he was blameless despite 19 people losing their lives in the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
Ruto told journalists that it was unfortunate that lives had to be lost but noted that the country incurred a Ksh2.4 billion loss. The President detailed that the Office of the Chief Justice, City Hall, and Parliament were all destroyed during the protests.
“I have no blood on my hands. 19 people to the record that I have are dead. Very unfortunate, as a democracy that should not be part of our conversation. 2.4 billion of property has been destroyed. Office of the CJ, City Hall and Parliament have been burnt,” Ruto stated.
The Head of State added that it is unfortunate that lives were lost but his administration is keen to end extrajudicial killings.
“Any life that is lost is something that must bother anybody beginning with myself. When I came into office I said there will be no extra judicial killing in Kenya and I have made sure that there is no extrajudicial killing in Kenya. It is true that children got into situations that they became victims of the demonstrations. These great young people who have stepped forward to prosecute their agenda, I am certain that they did not burn Parliament,” Ruto stated.
To hold Police accountable
Nonetheless, the Head of State vowed to push for justice. Ruto told a group of journalists interviewing him that all police officers will have to account for their actions during the protests.
“I am telling every parent, I have kids like they do and I care when there are issues in town where criminals can take advantage of situations and create a situation where the police have to use rubber bullets and live bullets in some cases because that is what an independent police service has to do. I am sure the police have a record and explanation for every incident that they were engaged in,” Ruto stated.
Assurance to mother of 8-year-old shot
At the same time, President Ruto pledged to give the mother of a eight year-old boy who was shot in Ongata Rongai during anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
“I am telling the mother of this young person that I as President will make sure that finally I will give her an explanation of what really happened and make sure that we bring this to a situation where like myself who has children, her child can be accounted for,” Ruto stated.
Assurance to mother of 8-year-old shot
At the same time, President Ruto spoke on the eight year-old boy who was shot in Ongata Rongai during anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
“I am telling the mother of this young person that I as President will make sure that finally I will give her an explanation of what really happened and make sure that we bring this to a situation where like myself who has children, her child can be accounted for,” Ruto stated.
