The Global Peace Leadership Conference (GPLC) 2024 has announced the cancellation of its opening ceremony following recent events in Kenya.
In a statement on June 26, GPLC noted that the decision comes in the wake of devastating events, including loss of lives and injuries during protests at the Parliament on June 25, 2024.
“In light of recent events, we hereby announce that we have decided to CANCEL the Opening Ceremony of the Global Peace Leadership Conference 2024,” reads part of the statement.
GPLC, further noted that it has been confirmed that the President of Kenya, William Ruto will not be at the event as initially anticipated.
Also, GPLC condoled with families of those who lost their loved ones and wished for their swift recovery.
The Global Peace Leadership Conference was set to take place from June 25th to 27th, 2024, at Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.
It brings together participants from all over the world for meaningful discussions and collaborations aimed at creating a peaceful and prosperous future for Africa.
GPLC Keynote Speakers
The event was to kicks off with a tree-planting activity at Konza Technopolis City to promote environmental conservation. A target of planting over 30,000 seedlings of various tree species in the Konza Technopolis City area has been set for this initiative.
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Distinguished leaders such as President Amani Abeid Karume, the former President of Zanzibar, President Olesegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, the Chairman of the Global Peace Foundation, Dr. Manu Chandaria, the Chairman of the Chandaria Foundation, Cabinet Secretary Education Ezekiel Machogu and Dr. Willy Mutunga, the former Chief Justice were part of the guest and keynote speakers.
President Ruto’s Speech
Notably, the developments came hours after President Ruto condemned the breach of parliament, saying that it was a serious betrayal of the country.
In his State of the Nation address from State House, he promised to take stern action against the people organizing and funding the protests.
“I hereby put on notice the planners, financiers, orchestrators, and abettors of violence and anarchy that the security infrastructure established to protect our republic and its sovereignty will be to be deployed secure the country and restore order and normalcy,” Ruto noted.
During the address, Ruto spoke about the protests that took place earlier in the day, leading to the death of scores and causing injuries to over 125 others.
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Further, he expressed his dismay that criminals had disrupted an important conversation and caused chaos across the country, especially in the parliament building.
Additionally, President Ruto emphasized that it was unacceptable for criminals, pretending to be protesters, to instill fear among people, elected leaders, and institutions. He stressed that they cannot get away with such destructive behavior.
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