William Ruto Calls for Accountability Over Protest Violence

President William Ruto declared on August 27 that no Kenyan should lose their life, liberty, or dignity for criticizing the government or participating in peaceful demonstrations. Speaking at the 16th Katiba Day Symposium and celebrations in Nairobi, Ruto acknowledged the pain caused by past crackdowns, specifically citing "serious allegations" of unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, and the excessive use of lethal force.

Marking the 16th anniversary of the 2010 Constitution, Ruto called for independent and transparent investigations into credible human rights violations to ensure those responsible are held accountable. His remarks follow reports from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and the Missing Voices Coalition, which documented dozens of deaths and disappearances during protests in 2024 and 2025.

While advocating for the protection of dissent as essential to democracy, Ruto emphasized a distinction between exercising constitutional rights and committing criminal offenses. He asserted that the Constitution does not protect arson, looting, or violence, urging that public scrutiny should aim to improve institutions rather than destroy them. These statements come as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, a period expected to increase scrutiny of state conduct.