President William Ruto has ordered for the release of all protesters who were arrested during the anti-government protests but have not been found culpable for committing any crimes.
Ruto was speaking at State House Nairobi on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, during a State of the Nation address when he ordered the security agencies to comply with the directive.
According to Ruto, all people who may have been caught on the wrong sides of the law with no criminal acts will be released and charges against them withdrawn.
The President instructed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to drop all charges against those detained during the protests.
“We must do all we can to ensure the this does not happen again. The government of Kenya will offer necessary support to families of individuals who lost their lives.
I urge the criminal justice agencies to take effective measures and ensure that people who may have been innocently caught in the wrong side of things be released and charges against them withdrawn. It is important that these suspects are brought to book and prosecuted,” said Ruto.
Ruto at the same time acknowledged the use of excessive force by police during demonstrations which included the arrest of innocent people.
President Ruto comments on Police Conduct
The Head of State however made it clear that the police are to employ the full force of the law against individuals who engaged in criminal activities under the guise of protesting.
Also Read: Ruto Makes Changes in KDF, Effects Several Promotions
While acknowledging that the livelihoods and property of many innocent people have been destroyed, Ruto said that the government will equally take measures to support these Kenyans on the path to the recovery of these businesses.
The President announced that the government will support businesses destroyed and looted during protests across the country.
In the address, Ruto assured Kenyans that individuals who came out to cause chaos during the Gen Z led protest will be held accountable in accordance with the law.
Also Read: Govt to Support Businesses Looted During Protests
President Ruto further 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,” he said.
Additionally, the head of state sympathized with individuals who lost their lives during the protests, pointing out that the government will do everything possible to ensure that such incidences do not occur again.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
