President William Ruto has denied any responsibility for the deaths of protesters during recent anti-government demonstrations, stating “I have no blood on my hands.” At least 30 people were killed, according to rights groups, and hundreds more injured during the protests against tax hikes.
In a television interview, Ruto announced an investigation into the deaths and promised to hold accountable any police officers who used excessive force. He also warned that those who attacked parliament and the judiciary would be caught and held accountable.
The protests, which began peacefully, turned violent when lawmakers passed the unpopular tax increases. Police opened fire on protesters who stormed the parliament complex, resulting in a fire breaking out.
Ruto initially announced he would sign the finance bill into law but later reversed his decision, saying he would “listen to the people.” The clashes were unprecedented in Kenya’s history since its independence from Britain in 1963.
On Sunday, hundreds of people marched in Nairobi to honor those who died in the protests, waving Kenyan flags and chanting as they passed the hospital treating the injured. The demonstration dispersed peacefully in the afternoon.
Ruto acknowledged that the government could have communicated better about the finance bill and its benefits. The president’s about-turn on the bill means the government will have to borrow heavily, setting back progress by two years.
