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The Nairobian

Ruto reaches out to gunshot victims, families amid apathy accusations

National

By Denis Omondi | Jul 05, 2024

**President William Ruto during** **the Unveiling of Digital Government services, KICC, Nairobi.** [PCS]

President William Ruto has announced plans to meet the family of Kennedy Onyango, a 12-year-old who succumbed to gunshot wounds during anti-tax protests in Rongai.

Ruto dismissed reports linking the police to the incident, stating that Kennedy was shot by a criminal who had snatched a gun from a police officer during the anti-government demonstrations.

“I have tried to reach out to Kennedy Onyango’s mother, Jessica Onyango. I am scheduled to engage with them. I sent a message, but they were unavailable. They know I’m looking for them, and I’ll speak to them shortly,” said Ruto.

The Head of State further refuted claims of a massacre in Githurai on the night of Tuesday, June 25, stating that the reported numbers are far-fetched.

“I will not, as president or even as a Kenyan, ever say anything that is not factual, especially on a serious matter of people losing lives. Are you saying two hundred people were killed in Githurai?” he posed.

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“Can the families step forward? Two hundred people is not a joke. I am sorry to tell you that you have the wrong numbers. It is not possible,” Ruto replied to X influencer Osama Otero.

Adding that the names of those still missing should be forwarded to him for further investigation.

The President, speaking during his much-anticipated session on X, was addressing accusations from Kenyans that he lacked empathy for victims of police brutality during the June protests.

In his defense, Ruto argued that people empathise in different ways as individuals are born with different dispositions.