Kenyan President William Ruto has issued a stern warning that the ongoing protests in the country must cease.
Ruto’s administration has come under intense scrutiny amid weeks of violent demonstrations that have resulted in at least 50 deaths and widespread property damage. The youth have vowed to protest again on Tuesday, calling for Ruto’s resignation.
Speaking on Sunday after attending a church service in Bomet County, Rift Valley, about 224 kilometers (139 miles) west of Nairobi, Ruto promised to end the protests.
“I want to assure you that it is going to stop—enough is enough,” Ruto declared.
He emphasized that his administration would protect the nation, safeguard lives and property, and combat looting, killing, and anarchy. “Kenya is a democracy, and we want a peaceful and stable nation where issues are resolved through democratic means,” Ruto stated.
Ruto highlighted that his administration had already made significant concessions to address the demands of the “leaderless and faceless” Gen Z protesters. These include rejecting the Finance Bill 2024 and dismissing almost the entire Cabinet.
Despite these actions, the protests have persisted. “They demanded that we not pass the Finance Bill, and I complied. I then invited them for talks, but they refused,” Ruto said.
He criticized the protesters, describing them as “faceless and formless,” and emphasized that the country’s welfare is more important than any group’s demands. “I have given everyone a chance to voice their concerns, but it cannot continue like this. The country is far more important than any group of people,” Ruto concluded.
