In a bold move, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir has challenged President William Ruto to take decisive action in response to the recent anti-government protests.
During an event in Mombasa on Friday, July 26, 2024, where Ruto was present, Nassir called for compensation for victims of the protests and accountability for the police involved in the violence.
“Your Excellency, I have heard you, and I have heard our party leader Raila Odinga speaking about this – those who suffered during the protests must be compensated,” Nassir stated emphatically.
He reiterated his demand for justice, highlighting the need for accountability for police actions that resulted in injuries and fatalities among protesters.
The governor further urged Ruto to fulfil his promise regarding the dropping of charges against those arrested during the protests.
“We ask that the cases of those who were detained arbitrarily for participating in demonstrations be dropped. Be true to your word, and I believe you will do it,” he urged.
50 dead
The ongoing protests, which began on June 18, have resulted in the deaths of at least 50 individuals and left 413 injured, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Amid these concerns, President Ruto has also expressed criticism of police conduct and called for the release of innocent individuals wrongfully arrested during the demonstrations.
In a national address on Thursday, July 24, 2024, Ruto acknowledged the challenges posed by the protests, urging law enforcement to adhere to constitutional mandates and ensure that justice is served for victims of police excesses.
He called on criminal justice officials to release and withdraw charges against innocent people arrested during the protests.
“Unfortunately, there have been many instances of excessive, unlawful, dangerous, and harmful conduct during the demonstrations. Consequently, many persons have been arrested and charged in court with various offenses,” Ruto said.
“I urge the criminal justice agencies to take effective measures to ensure that those innocently caught up in the proceedings and those not implicated in crimes are released, and the charges against them withdrawn.”
Nassir’s demands resonate with a recent statement from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who underscored the need for accountability among Kenya’s security forces and the protection of civil society’s voices.
Blinken’s call to Ruto reflects growing international scrutiny of the government’s handling of the protests.
As calls for justice and accountability continue to intensify, both local and international stakeholders are watching closely to see how the Kenyan leadership responds to the ongoing crisis.
