Ruto orders release of innocent civilians arrested during demos

President William Ruto.[Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

President William Ruto has hit out at police officers for breaches of their constitutional mandate and urged the release of those wrongfully arrested during the recent anti-government protests.

In a national address on Thursday, July 24, Ruto acknowledged the nationwide protests that have led to loss of lives and property destruction. 

He called on criminal justice officials to release and withdraw charges against innocent people arrested during the protests.

“Unfortunately, there have been many instances of excessive, unlawful, dangerous, and harmful conduct during the demonstrations. Consequently, many persons have been arrested and charged in court with various offenses,” Ruto said. 

“I urge the criminal justice agencies to take effective measures to ensure that those innocently caught up in the proceedings and those not implicated in crimes are released, and the charges against them withdrawn.”

Ruto also called for the investigation and prosecution of criminals who exploited the peaceful protests for their own agendas. “It is important that these suspects are brought to book and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said. 

The Head of State further urged police officers to operate within the confines of the Constitution. 

Support for Families

Government says it will support families of Kenyans who lost their lives during the protests and those who lost their livelihoods. 

“The government will take measures to support these Kenyans on the path of recovery. I direct relevant ministries to obtain, verify, and provide accurate data to facilitate appropriate government action within 30 days,” he added.

Proposed measures

To enhance democracy and governance, he promised to propose amendments to the Evidence Act and the Criminal Procedure Code, among other legislative changes, to expedite and conclude corruption and economic crimes cases within six months.

The government will also propose amendments to the Witness Protection Act to improve the statutory and institutional framework to protect and incentivize whistle-blowers and enhance witness protection.

Additionally, an amendment to the Public Finance Management Act and the Public Procurement and Disposal Act will be proposed within 90 days to overhaul operational framework of public procurement. This, he says, will create an open and transparent public procurement platform that provides real-time visibility of the entire process, from advertisement to the award of contracts.

Ruto also highlighted plans to engage with parliamentary leadership to swiftly pass the Conflict of Interest Bill and tighten legislation to reduce and eliminate imports of goods and products that are manufactured in Kenya.