KISII, Kenya – President William Ruto has finally spoken out about the recent nationwide protests in the country, calling for an end to abductions targeting government critics.
Speaking during his New Year Address to the nation at the Kisii State Lodge, the head of state called on the protesters to demonstrate within the law.
“We must ensure that our pursuit of rights and freedoms does not compromise our collective or individual safety, nor should we allow criminals to exploit constitutional rights to harm and destroy others,” said the president.
How President Ruto admitted to ongoing abductions
President Ruto reiterated that it cannot be denied that there have been instances of excessive and extrajudicial actions by members of the security services.
However, according to President Ruto, it is essential to acknowledge that, in securing the nation, the security services often interact with citizens exercising their democratic freedoms and fundamental rights.
“They must continuously strike a delicate balance between delivering robust security responses and enabling the enjoyment of these rights and freedoms,” said President Ruto, who has come under harsh criticism following the ongoing abductions of civilians.
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President Ruto observed that human life and safety can be particularly challenging in situations involving serious threats to public order.
“Knowing this, criminal elements often seek to exploit protests and demonstrations to further their schemes. At the same time, it must also be acknowledged that due process is underway in appropriate institutions to ensure accountability,” said the head of state.
Why President Ruto feels every freedom has its limits
The head of state observed, “It is crucial to remember that every freedom has its limits and that public safety and order must always supersede the desire for unchecked liberty.”
During the just-concluded “End Abductions Protests,” police threw tear gas at demonstrators in a bid to disperse the crowd; vocal Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and several others were arrested in the capital, Nairobi.
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Among the hundreds who had taken to the streets of Nairobi were relatives of those who had disappeared.
Concerns have been raised by the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights regarding the increasing frequency of alleged kidnappings of government critics.
Why Kenyan lobby groups are worried about abductions
The lobby group claims that since anti-government protests in June 2024, 82 people have been abducted.
Rights organisations blame the National Police Service (NPS), although the police have refuted the claims and maintain that they are investigating the disappearances.
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Senator Omtatah said, “The government of (Kenyan) President Ruto should stop abducting people. These actions by the government, which are targeting its critics, have made this regime rogue, and we are here to demand that it be called back to order. We demand that the regime follow the rule of law or vacate office.”
Several social media users vanished after posting AI-generated pictures of the president that supporters of the administration found insulting.
