Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Former Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on President William Ruto to listen to the concerns of Kenyans and honor their right to protest in light of the ongoing demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024.
In his statement, Kenyatta expressed profound sadness for the lives lost during the protests and urged President Ruto to prioritize dialogue over confrontation.
“Dear Kenyans, I stand with you and I ask our leadership to embrace dialogue and SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE AND NOT AT THE PEOPLE. I pray for peace and understanding on the part of each and every Kenyan and for all of us to remember that Kenya is bigger than any one of us; there is nothing cast in stone that cannot be changed,” said Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kenyatta highlighted that disregarding the concerns of Kenyans would only worsen the current situation. He underscored the importance for leaders to understand that their power and authority are bestowed by the people.
“Leaders must know that the power and authority they have is donated to them by the people. I, therefore, call for calm and for the leadership to show restraint and do the right thing by listening to the people and not being antagonistic to them,” he stated.
“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,” he added.
The former President condemned the violence that has occurred during the anti-Finance Bill protests, urging for a civil approach to resolving the issue.
“Violence on either side is not the answer. 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,” Kenyatta said.
The Finance Bill 2024, passed by MPs on Tuesday, has ignited widespread outrage, particularly among Kenya’s youth who feel they are disproportionately affected by the proposed tax increases. Protests have erupted nationwide, with demonstrators calling for the bill’s rejection, arguing it will worsen the economic hardships faced by ordinary Kenyans.
On Tuesday, the situation escalated when protesters stormed Parliament after the bill’s passage, leading to violent clashes with police. At least four protesters were shot dead, and several others sustained serious injuries as police used live bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds. This chaos prompted Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to authorize military support for the overwhelmed police forces.
Also Read: Kenyan police open fire as tax protesters breach parliament gates
President Ruto condemned the violent protests, labeling them as treasonous, and vowed to take stringent measures to restore order. In a televised address from State House, Ruto stated, “We shall provide a full and expeditious response to the treasonous events,” and warned those financing the violence of severe consequences.
The government’s response has faced criticism from human rights organizations and international observers, who are concerned about the use of excessive force and arbitrary arrests of activists. Reports have also surfaced of prominent social media users being abducted at dawn, hours before the demonstrations, exacerbating the tension and unrest.
Calls for dialogue and restraint
Kenyatta’s call for dialogue and restraint comes at a crucial time as the country deals with the fallout from the controversial Finance Bill and the ensuing protests. His message emphasizes the importance of leadership that listens to and engages with the people rather than dismissing their concerns.
The former president’s appeal for peace and understanding underscores the need for a unified approach to resolving the current crisis. As Kenyans continue to voice their opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, it is essential for the government to address their grievances in a manner that respects democratic principles and human rights.
Resolving this crisis will not be easy, but with a commitment to dialogue and a willingness to listen to the people, there is hope for a peaceful and just resolution. As Kenyatta aptly put it, “Kenya is bigger than any one of us,” and it is the duty of all leaders to ensure that the nation’s interests are prioritized over individual ambitions.
