‘Listening to the people is not a choice’ – Uhuru says on Finance Bill 2024 protests
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has broken his silence on the Anti-finance Bill 2024 protests, telling leaders that listening to the people is not a choice.
In a statement on the evening of Tuesday, June 25, 2024, the former President said the right to protest was enshrined in the Constitution and the leaders had an obligation to listen to the people.
"I come to you with a heavy heart. Saddened by the loss of lives occasioned by the current situation prevailing in our country. it is the right of every Kenyan to protest as determined as determined by the constitution we all promulgated in 2010. It is also the duty of leader sto listen to those they lead," Uhuru said.
Uhuru calls for restraint
Calling for dialogue and restraint from the State, Uhuru urged leaders to recognise that the power and authority they have are bestowed on them by the public.
"At this trying time for our Country, I want to remind all leaders that they were elected by the people. Listening to the people is not a choice but a mandate enshrined in the principles of our constitution and in the very basis and philosophy of democracy," the former Head of State added.
Uhuru called for dialogue, urging the leaders to iron out the contentious issues amicably with the protesting citizens without confrontations.
"As your former president, I have felt the weight and the difficulty of leading Kenya. I therefore pray for wisdom and civility to be established and for peace and progress to belong to all of us as children of Kenya," Uhuru stated. 
The statement came after President William Ruto sent a stern warning to the protest organisers, stating that he would spare no resource at his disposal to ensure the events of Tuesday, June 25, 2024, do not recur.
Ruto termed the events as treasonous, saying the state will pursue those involved in the invasion and destruction of Parliament and Senate buildings.
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