President William Ruto. Image file
In Summary:
- President William Ruto and Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli caution organizers and participants of the ‘Nane Nane March’ against violence.
- The protest, planned for August 8, aims to express frustration over governance issues, with organizers calling for demonstrations at key government installations.
President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to organizers of the upcoming ‘Nane Nane March,’ emphasizing the need for peace and adherence to the rule of law.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 7, Ruto underscored Kenya’s commitment to democracy while cautioning against any form of violence during the planned protests.
The president’s remarks come in response to an intensifying online campaign by march organizers, who have called for demonstrations at critical government installations on Thursday, August 8.
Ruto stressed the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding chaos, stating, “We do not want demonstrations that bring death and people losing their properties. We want peace.”
Echoing the president’s sentiments, Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli put protesters on notice. While acknowledging citizens’ constitutional right to demonstrate, Masengeli warned that law enforcement would not tolerate any criminal activity or lawlessness during the protests.
The ‘Nane Nane March’ is positioned as a pro-good governance protest, with participants planning to air grievances against the current administration.
As tensions rise, authorities remain vigilant, preparing to manage potential unrest while balancing the right to peaceful protest with the need to maintain public order and safety.
“Hatutaki maandamano ya maafa. Tunataka amani,” President Ruto now says as youth push for ‘nane nane’ march pic.twitter.com/3RL8JyBgJ5
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) August 7, 2024