Ruto vows crackdown on protest instigators after Saba Saba chaos

President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to a faction of leaders he has accused of fueling demonstrations across the country, adding that his government will not allow destruction and lawlessness.

Speaking in Kilimani today, two days day after the Saba Saba anniversary protests were witnessed in the country, leaving 31 people dead, Ruto condemned the looting of businesses and destruction of businesses that were witnessed as he linked it to political sabotage.

The head of state said those involved will be arrested soon.

“They are paying youths to go burn people’s businesses. All of those who have been arrested and found involved in the illegalities of raiding and destroying people’s properties will be brought to justice and jailed. And those leaders involved, we are coming after you,” Ruto has sent a warning.

He declared that any attack on police officers or stations would be treated as a threat to national stability.

“Those who attack Kenyans, police officers, security installations and businesses are terrorists. Such criminal acts are a declaration of war in the Republic of Kenya. We will not allow our country to be destroyed by retrogressive elements that are seeking shortcuts to rise to power. Enough is enough! It cannot continue like this,” he declared.

“Anyone who will go fight the police and attack the station, that is a declaration of war in the Republic of Kenya, and it is not acceptable. Enough is enough, it will not continue like this,” he said.

The Head of State assured Kenyans that his administration would not sit back and watch as public and private property is destroyed.

“I will protect Kenyans’ property, lives, and their businesses. It is the responsibility of the government of Kenya, which I lead, to it will make sure these wars of destroying property and burning businesses will stop. It must stop,” he said.

“Anyone deciding to storm a person’s business or a police station should be shot in the leg and taken to hospital. Thereafter, they can go to court and see what follows next,” he added.

He has pledged to restore peace and order by all means possible, maintaining that the country cannot afford to slide into anarchy.

“We are going to use whatever means that are available to stabilise the country. We cannot accept mayhem and anarchy destroying this country,” he said.

Ruto further dismissed attempts to intimidate and destabilise his government through tribalism, adding that the games of tribal cards and pride should be put aside, maintain that peace must prevail.

“This pride they are trying to bring to me, what is it all about? These games need to stop. Let us sort out our problems. Put tribalism, hate, and pride aside. All of us are Kenyans, and no one is above the other. You can call me whatever names you want, but I will make sure that there is peace and stability in Kenya by all means possible,” he stated.