President William Ruto on Friday, July 28, condoled with the families whose kin were killed by the police during anti-government protests.
The Head of State revealed that those who died during the nationwide protests had come from nearly every corner of the country, a situation which has brought unimaginable pain to their kin.
He also dispelled the notion that members of the National Police Service willfully killed the protesters. While expressing heartfelt regrets, Ruto explained that he desires to see peace prevail in the country.
"We stand with families that have lost their children and loved ones because of a few leaders who are driving their personal agenda to cause anarchy in the country.
"Our nation is mourning many young people who were killed unnecessarily. Why can't these people show mercy?" the Head of State asked while urging leaders to be responsible.
Ruto stated that the country should reflect on its ideas and avoid the ugly scenes which were witnessed during the nationwide anti-government demonstrations which were called by the Azimio la Umoja Coalition.
"What those families are going through is so much pain that no words can express the grief that they are feeling, but I want you to know that as a government we will not allow these leaders to continue causing mayhem," Ruto stated.
President Ruto also challenged the leaders who called for the protests to put their loved ones on the frontline, and avoid pushing other people's children to demonstrate while theirs were safe and sound.
He explained that the loss of a loved one is always heartbreaking and called for leaders to talk to each other to find peaceful resolutions.
"I am deeply saddened by the violence that has taken place, and I want to assure you that I am committed to finding a way to bring peace to our country," Ruto assured.
The President also mentioned the specific circumstances of the protesters' deaths, noting that most of those who died attempted to fight police officers who were protecting lives and property.
Ruto's condolence message came against the backdrop of accusations that he had presided over widespread police brutality during the protests.
At a requiem mass organised by Azimio la Umoja on Friday, July 28, opposition leaders who attended the event blamed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and President Ruto for failing to tame the National Police Service (NPS) against brutalising protestors.
The Azimio la Umoja leaders vowed to continue with the countrywide protests until the cost of living comes down as promised by the president.
