In an exclusive interview, Kenyan President William Ruto addressed the ongoing political and economic challenges facing the nation, amidst a backdrop of unprecedented public protests and escalating accusations of human rights violations. Ruto maintained that Kenyan democracy remains robust and asserted his commitment to his reform agenda, despite mounting internal and external pressures.
Kenya has been gripped by widespread protests in recent months, largely driven by young people opposing the government’s austerity measures. These measures, implemented by Ruto’s administration, include tax increases and the removal of subsidies on essential goods and services. The demonstrations have resulted in numerous fatalities, with allegations of excessive force and severe human rights abuses leveled against the police, including claims of enforced disappearances.
President Ruto has refuted these accusations, insisting that security forces have acted within the bounds of the law and attributing some instances of violence to political instigation by elements seeking to destabilize the country. He defended his controversial directives to police to shoot protesters in the legs, stating that the aim was to maintain public order in the face of what he described as criminal elements exploiting the protests for vandalism and looting.
Ruto acknowledged instances of violence perpetrated by rogue elements within the police force, assuring that those responsible, such as in the case of the killing of teacher Albert Owuogwang, have been brought to justice.
President Ruto, who rose to power in 2022 championing the cause of ordinary citizens, has faced strong criticism from his former support base. Many Kenyans have expressed disappointment with his economic policies, which they believe have placed an undue burden on them. Ruto now appears to be recalibrating his approach.
