President William Ruto has announced that the government will support businesses destroyed and looted during protests across the country.
In an address to the nation at State House on Wednesday, July 24, Ruto stated that individuals who came out to cause chaos during the Gen Z led protest will be held accountable in accordance with the law.
Further, he has ordered relevant government leaders to ensure that affected businesses get back to their feet, directing ministries to provide relevant information within 30 days.
“Over the last month, the livelihoods and property of many innocent people have also been destroyed, plunging them into destitution and jeopardizing the welfare of their dependents.
“The government will take measures to support these Kenyans on the path of recovery. I direct relevant ministries to obtain, verify and provide accurate data to facilitate appropriate government action within 30 days,” said Ruto.
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Ruto Makes Additional Directives Over protests
Additionally, the head of state sympathized with individuals who lost their lives during the protests adding that the government will do everything possible to ensure that such incidences do not occur again.
He also acknowledged the use of excessive force by police during demonstrations, including the arrest of innocent people.
Consequently, he has ordered criminal justice agencies to take action and ensured those innocently arrested be released and charges against them withdrawn.
“Unfortunately, there have been many instances of excessive, unlawful, dangerous and harmful conduct during the demonstrations and engagements as a consequence of which many persons have been arrested and charged in court with various offences.
“I urge the criminal justice agencies to take effective measures and ensure that people who may have been innocently caught up on the wrong side of proceedings, and those not implicated in crimes are released and the charges against them withdrawn,” he added.
Also Read: Ruto Orders Release of Select Kenyans Arrested During Protests
List of Bills to be Amended to End Corruption in Government
To end corruption, Ruto has proposed amendments to the Evidence Act, the Criminal Procedure Code, among other necessary legislative amendments to all statutes relating to corruption.
“We shall also be proposing amendments to the Witness Protection Act to overhaul the statutory and institutional framework to protect and incentivize whistle-blowers and enhance witness protection, making it easier and safer for citizens to come forward and report corruption as well as other criminal activities.”
Within 90 days, Ruto will also be proposing amendments to the Public Finance Management Act and the Public Procurement and Disposal Act to overhaul the institutional and operational framework of public procurement.
Additionally, he has asked Parliament to expeditiously pass the Conflict of Interests Bill with the explicit caveat that he shall veto any Bill enacted if it does not establish a high bar with respect to accountability.
“I will be working with Parliament to provide a legislative and regulatory framework to make this process transparent, open and accountable with a view to reducing this huge public expenditure and direct savings to the productive areas of the economy.
“The Government will also work with Parliament to tighten legislation to reduce and eliminate imports of goods and products manufactured in Kenya so as to promote our value addition, manufacturing and industrialization program to create both jobs and wealth locally.”
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