President Ruto caution protesters against attacking police officers on duty

NAIROBI—President Ruto has called for an “urgent” meeting with regional, county security and National Government Administration officers at State House, Nairobi.

The meeting, which comes days after youth-led protests in Nairobi and its environs that saw scores killed and property worth billions damaged, Ruto cautioned against “unlawnessness.” He further termed the Wednesday protests “mayhem.”

Sixteen people died during the anti-government protests, most of them killed by police, the head of Amnesty Kenya said, a year after deadly demonstrations against a tax bill culminated in the storming of parliament.

“We cannot have a country where criminals run after our police officers. If a policeman’s life is in danger, then, how can our families be safe?” He asked.

He continued: “This trend must change. The criminals that attacked our officers and destroyed property in the Wednesday mayhem will be held to account. We will stand by every man and woman in uniform, and protect them, as they discharge their duties.”

He noted that:” This is how we will have a more secure and stable Kenya where meaningful development occurs.”