President William Ruto has declared that his administration will not allow criminal gangs and goons to hijack demonstrations and terrorise Kenyans, saying security agencies have been directed to deal with them within the law.
Speaking at State House on Monday while receiving the report Developing a New Vision for Kenya: Towards a First World Nation, Ruto drew a distinction between peaceful demonstrations, which are protected by the Constitution, and criminal acts committed under the guise of protests.
"I have been following the debate. Demonstrations are democratic, constitutional and legal, but we also have criminals, thugs and characters who destroy people's property, steal from people and burn down buildings," he said.
The President said Kenya must confront the issue honestly, insisting there could be no justification for violence, looting and destruction of property.
"We really need to have a candid conversation about criminality, the rule of law and the security of our nation. There cannot be any defence for criminality. There cannot be any defence for breaking the law," he said.
Ruto also questioned what he described as the lenient treatment of some suspects arrested during violent protests, saying they are often released on low bond terms only to return to political rallies.
"Some people are arrested with criminality, taken to court and given a bond of Sh200. They leave there because they are our children. Then they go to political rallies and then we have goons," he said.
"Then I don't know whether we want to say again these are our children the goons."
The President said there is now growing consensus across the country that criminal gangs should not be tolerated and urged security agencies to act decisively while observing the law.
"Now that we have a consensus, our security agencies must do their job within the law. They must do their job and they must stop criminality. That is how we are going to secure Kenya's future," Ruto said.
He urged Kenyans to safeguard peace, warning that countries can quickly descend into conflict when law and order break down.
Citing Sudan as an example, Ruto said instability can erase years of development.
"Khartoum was a beautiful city three years ago. Today they have destroyed their country. People are trying to help, trying to do whatever we can do, but we must secure our country," he said.
The President also reflected on the influence of social media, saying Kenya is among the world's leading users of digital platforms.
"Kenya, for your information, is number one in the whole world in the use of social media. It is said that every Kenyan, on average, spends four hours and a few minutes every day," he said.
Despite the challenges posed by misinformation and heated online debate, Ruto said Kenya must remain focused on strengthening education, security and economic development while upholding the rule of law.
