Ruto Calls for Peaceful Demonstrations, Warns Against Property Destruction
President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to protest peacefully and avoid damaging property during the ongoing nationwide demonstrations.
Speaking in Kilifi County on Wednesday afternoon, the Head of State addressed mourners during the burial of Mzee Mungaro, father of Governor Gideon Mung’aro.
“We must make sure that the demonstrations we hold are peaceful,”
Ruto said to the crowd.
“The demonstrations should not lead to the destruction of property because we do not have any other country where we will go if things become tough here.”
His message comes at a tense moment as citizens take to the streets, marking one year since the deadly anti-finance protests that claimed dozens of young lives.
President Stresses Unity and Development
Beyond urging for calm, Ruto reiterated his government’s commitment to development and transformation.
“As we build roads and stabilise our economy, we should also address employment. These are the main issues,”
he stated.
“The most important thing is our unity as a nation. We may be of different opinions and strategies, but we must have a nation first.”
He emphasized that political diversity must not be a reason to tear down the country.
Raila Echoes Ruto’s Message
In a rare show of unity, Raila Odinga joined Ruto at the event and echoed the president’s call for peaceful protests.
“I urge our people not to clash with police or destroy property during demonstrations,”
Raila said, addressing the mourners.
“The government must compensate the families of those who were killed during last year’s anti-finance demonstrations,”
Raila insisted.
No Room for Early Politics, Raila Warns
Raila took the opportunity to criticize leaders already engaging in political campaigns ahead of the next election cycle.
“We can not continue with this tendency of doing campaigns for five conservative years or each electioneering year,”
he declared.
“If we do that, then the country cannot move forward.”
Call for Peace Amid National Tension
Their words may not silence the protests, but they might guide them toward peace instead of destruction.
ALSO READ: Communications Authority Orders Media Blackout on Protest Coverage
Ruto Calls for Peaceful Demonstrations, Warns Against Property Destruction
