Ruto orders release of innocent Kenyans arrested in protests

President William Ruto has ordered the release of innocent Kenyans apprehended during the wave of nationwide protests.

Addressing the nation on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the Head of State ordered that they be released and their charges withdrawn.

President Ruto urged the criminal justice agencies to expedite their release.

“Unfortunately, there have been many instances of excessive, unlawful, dangerous and harmful conduct during the demonstrations and engagements as a consequence of which many persons have been arrested and charged in court with various offences.

“I urge the criminal justice agencies to take effective measures and ensure that people who may have been innocently caught up on the wrong side of proceedings, and those not implicated in crimes are released and the charges against them withdrawn,” Ruto stated.

Instead, Ruto directed the criminal agencies to direct their efforts in prosecuting criminals and goons who infiltrated the protests to wreak havoc and destroy properties.

“This will enable the agencies to focus their resources, efforts and time on investigating and prosecuting serious criminal elements who took advantage of peaceful demonstrations to advance a dangerous agenda. It is important that these suspects are brought to book, and that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“I also take this opportunity to affirm the constitutional authority and duty vested in our national security institutions to protect our country against internal and external threats to our sovereignty, the lives of our people, our rights, freedoms, property, peace, stability and prosperity, as well as other national interests,” Ruto added.

Police prosecution

At the same time, Ruto ordered relevant agencies to expedite the process of prosecution of security officers who breached the law while handling the protests.

The Head of State directed them to act professionally and uphold their standards as enshrined in the law.

“Consequently, I call on the National Police Service to use its mandate responsibly, professionally, effectively and in full compliance with the Constitution with a view to promoting the national objectives of Articles 238, 239 and 244. All breaches and violations by police officers must be handled expeditiously through due process, with a view to giving Kenyans a police service that upholds the highest standards of integrity.”

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