By News Desk
President William Ruto has acknowledged the painful history of violence, injuries, deaths, and destruction that have often accompanied public demonstrations in Kenya, while pledging a new era of accountability and justice for victims of human rights violations.
Speaking at State House Nairobi during the receipt of the report on the Framework for Compensation and Reparations for Victims of Human Rights Violations During Protests and Picketing, prepared by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), President Ruto said the country can no longer afford to ignore the recurring tragedies associated with public protests.
The President noted that while the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble, picket, demonstrate, and petition, these democratic exercises have frequently ended in violence, loss of life, destruction of property, and deep societal divisions.
“For far too long, whenever Kenyans have exercised their constitutional and democratic rights to assemble, picket, demonstrate and petition, the outcome has too often been marked by violence, injury, loss of life, destruction of property, bitterness, and division,” President Ruto said.
He further acknowledged concerns over the conduct of security agencies during demonstrations, noting that excessive use of force has in some cases led to further violations of human rights and the loss of innocent lives.
The Head of State observed that successive generations of leaders have condemned such incidents without delivering lasting solutions, emphasizing that his administration has now chosen to take decisive action.
“Today, we have chosen to act. We do so because the cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of undertaking the difficult but necessary work of reform,” he stated.
The KNCHR report provides a framework for compensating and supporting victims of human rights abuses linked to protests and picketing, a move expected to strengthen accountability, restore public trust, and promote justice for affected families.
President Ruto reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms while ensuring that law enforcement operations uphold human rights and the rule of law.
The initiative marks a significant step toward addressing historical grievances and creating a more balanced approach to managing public demonstrations in Kenya.
