In a dramatic turn of events, President William Ruto has announced that all charges against protesters arrested during the recent anti-government demonstrations will be dropped. The announcement, made in a national address on Wednesday, July 24, marks a significant shift in Kenya's approach to the ongoing unrest that has gripped the nation.
The move comes as the protests, which erupted over proposed tax hikes, have continued unabated despite Ruto's decision to withdraw the legislation and dismiss nearly his entire cabinet. Activists, however, have intensified their calls for Ruto’s resignation and are demanding sweeping reforms to tackle corruption and poor governance.
Ruto stated, "I urge the criminal justice agencies to take effective measures and ensure that people who may have been innocently caught up on the wrong side of proceedings, and those not implicated in crimes are released and the charges against them withdrawn."
In his address, Ruto instructed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to drop all charges against those detained during the protests. However, he made it clear that the police are to employ the full force of the law against individuals who engaged in criminal activities under the guise of protesting.
"I have heard you, and I have heard you clearly," President William Ruto says after 6 weeks of protests, naming corruption as the foremost national concern for Kenyans.
Ruto added, "This will enable the agencies to focus their resources, efforts and time to investigating and prosecuting serious criminal elements who took advantage of peaceful demonstrations to advance a dangerous agenda. It is important that these suspects are brought to book, and that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The protests, which began over a month ago, have resulted in widespread violence and destruction. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), at least 50 people have lost their lives in the clashes. The violence has been compounded by reports of looting and property damage, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations noting that over 270 individuals suspected of criminal activities have been apprehended.
"Security forces across the country have identified and detained suspects involved in criminal acts during the protests," the Directorate stated in a recent update. The government has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with some claiming that the protests have been infiltrated by individuals intent on escalating violence.
In response to the loss of lives and destruction, Ruto has promised that the government will offer support to the affected families and communities. This pledge is seen as a gesture to address the grievances of those who have been hardest hit by the ongoing unrest.
Despite Ruto's concessions, tensions remain high as demonstrators continue to demand more comprehensive reforms. The protests have revealed deep-seated frustrations with the government's handling of economic policies and its approach to governance.
