By Ebi Kesiena
President William Ruto has alleged that unnamed foreign individuals are sponsoring unrest in an attempt to destabilize his government.
During the commissioning of the Kimuka Power Substation in Kajiado County on Wednesday, Ruto emphasized Kenya’s democratic principles and resilience against external intimidation.
“Kenyans are clever, and they are the ones to decide how the country moves forward. Those trying to plan things abroad, I want to tell you that Kenya is a democratic nation.
“There is no need to destabilize the peace of the country and use shortcuts to gain power. Kenyans are clever and they will decide how the country will move forward,” he said.
Ruto’s statements come in the wake of weeks-long protests, primarily driven by the Gen Z generation. Initially sparked by demands to reject the Finance Bill 2024, the protests have escalated into calls for Ruto’s resignation. Protesters are also holding the government accountable for alleged police brutality, which has resulted in the deaths of several demonstrators.
However, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), at least 39 people have died and 361 have been injured during the nationwide anti-Finance Bill protests. The Commission reported that these figures were recorded between June 18 and July 1, 2024.
