IN a strong stance against planned anti-government protests in Kenya, President William Ruto declared his determination to maintain law and order nationwide and prevent any unrest. His warning was directed at opposition leader Raila Odinga, emphasising that the scheduled protests for the following week would not be permitted.
‘These demos will not happen, Kenya is for all of us, it is not for demos,’ President Ruto firmly stated.
The Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition Party, led by Odinga, responded by announcing a three-day series of demonstrations starting next Wednesday. Odinga explained that the decision to extend the protests to Thursday and Friday was made due to widespread public demand. Citizens are expressing their frustration over the soaring cost of living and new taxes on petroleum products.
‘Going forward, the peaceful protests will now be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next week, in line with requests from the public,’ Odinga stated.
The UN Human Rights Office has called on the Kenyan police to protect protesters and urged anti-riot police officers to uphold the law impartially while ensuring the safety of all citizens. Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the office, expressed concern over previous incidents of violence during protests, saying, ‘In light of calls for further protests next week, we call on the authorities to ensure the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution and international human rights law.’
Laurence also mentioned reports of up to 23 deaths and numerous injuries in the recent wave of demonstrations over the past week.
These protests have been fuelled by public discontent over tax hikes, with six individuals already losing their lives in clashes with the police. The escalating tensions and President Ruto’s resolute rejection of the upcoming protests set the stage for a potential showdown between the government and the opposition in the coming week.
