Lead image for William Ruto: No Kenyan should die for criticising government.
President William Ruto has said no Kenyan should lose their life, liberty or dignity for criticising the Government, expressing an unpopular opinion or taking part in a peaceful demonstration.
Speaking during the 16th Katiba Day Symposium on Thursday, August 27, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, as the country marked 16 years of the Constitution, Ruto acknowledged the lingering pain from past crackdowns on dissent.
"I recognise the pain that remains from the events of that period," Ruto said, adding, “Some families lost loved ones. Serious allegations were made concerning unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances and the excessive use of lethal force."
According to Ruto, the country cannot honour the Constitution by looking away from such allegations.
Every credible allegation of a human rights violation must be investigated independently, thoroughly and transparently, he added.
"Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law," Ruto noted.
The President said the Constitution protects peaceful and unarmed assembly but does not shield arson, looting, lawlessness, violence, intimidation, attacks on citizens or destruction of property.