Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday said the government will take strict action against all criminals involved in the anti-government protests, reported Africa News.
“All those involved in criminal activity, whoever they are, whatever their status is, will be brought to book,” he said during a visit to Germany on Tuesday.
Ruto said all Kenyans must obey the rule of law. He said full independence will be given to the police to enforce law and order in the country and ensure security for all Kenyans and businesses.
“That is what makes us equal,” Ruto said in a statement. “Nobody should trample on the rights of others.”
He added that his government would ensure the right to life, property, and business was protected.
Anti-government protests started in Nairobi and Kisumu city on Monday. The security forces used tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters who stormed the cities to rally against the rising costs of living.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has called for regular protests every Monday and Thursday and accused President Ruto of rigging last year’s election.
On Tuesday, the African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed grave concern at the violence which has led to the loss of life, damage of property, and the interruption of economic activities across the country and appealed for calm.
In a statement, Faki’s office said the AU chief has appealed to all stakeholders to exercise calm and opt for dialogue to resolve any differences in the supreme interest of national unity and reconciliation.
Opposition leader Odinga has accused the Kenyan government of fuelling violence so that protests degenerate into chaos and result in loss of lives. He said the opposition will not relent in their agitation for addressing the rise in the cost of living, review of the 2022 elections, and the constitution of the electoral commission.
