President William Ruto has urged the media to exercise responsibility in their reporting following the protests that have affected the country. He cautioned journalists against celebrating anarchy, stressing that the press must be responsible in their coverage.
While not citing specific instances, President Ruto expressed disappointment that some media outlets were glorifying chaos. Speaking at a church service in Bomet County on Sunday, he stated that the media should not take pride in the country’s distress.
Ruto emphasized the media’s duty to use good judgment in reporting on national events. Additionally, he declared that his administration will take firm action against anarchists to safeguard the country’s democracy.
Ruto told residents of Chebango, Sotik, Bomet County that ”mambo iko sawa (all is well) as he warned criminal elements against troubling the nation.
“We are a democratic country, we solve our issues peacefully through democratic means,” Ruto said.
“What we can’t do as a nation is to abandon democracy for dictatorship chaos, destruction of property, deaths and anarchy, that we shall not do.”
The President’s stern warning comes as Generation Zoomers (GenZ) and Millennials plan protests on Tuesday to advocate for government reforms. Last week, police banned all protests in Nairobi, citing concerns about criminal elements involved in property destruction.
Previous demonstrations have led to fatalities and significant property damage across the country. President Ruto assured the nation that his democratically elected government will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of citizens and their properties.
“As a government, we will protect our democracy, we will protect the peace and stability of our nation, we will deal firmly and resolutely with those who are engaged in mayhem, anarchy, causing deaths and destruction of property,” he said.
The President who spoke tough over criminals taking advantage of the anti-government protests to cause mayhem, said in Kenya there must be the rule of law.
“There is no place in our country and in our Constitution for anybody to have a free licence to visit mayhem, anarchy, death and violence on the people of Kenya,” Ruto said.
The Head of State told Kenyans not to worry as his government is in control.
“We have a government to ensure that life and property is safe and secure and we will do it,” he said.
President Ruto addressed the public after attending a church service in Sotik for the official opening and dedication of the newly completed Chebango AGC church.