Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Wednesday criticized President William Ruto's administration for using excessive force in handling the Tuesday, June 25, demonstrations.
Taking to his X account, the vocal politician urged the Head of State to heed his initial promise of abiding by the constitution and protecting the Kenyan citizens.
According to Sonko, the Tuesday incidents were evidence of the president's failure to fulfil the promise he made to Kenyans during his swearing-in ceremony at the Kasarani grounds in Nairobi.
“His Excellency the President, if they have this country at heart, remember what you promised Kenyans during your swearing-in ceremony at Kasarani. You promised to abide by the constitution and protect Kenyans," the former Governor stated.
Sonko further called on President Ruto to reconsider his take and order for the withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill 2024 that forced the country into violence.
“Please, withdraw the Finance Bill and return it to its drafters,” Sonko commented.
The former governor alleged that the Tuesday demonstration was one of the biggest ever witnessed protests in the East African region.
Sonko also accused the State House officials including Ruto's advisers of failing to address the concerns raised by the electorate and instead, chose to ignore them.
"They should know power lies with the people and not their conmanship tactics. You can lie to people, but you can't lie to them every day," Sonko wrote.
Sonko's message to the president comes hours after demonstrators across the country took to the streets to protest against the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
In Nairobi, protestors stormed the parliament buildings and vandalized them before setting a section of the building on fire.
Police who were on high alert intervened and shot several protestors, leaving others dead while others with others nursing critical injuries.
