President Ruto Orders Release of Wrongfully Arrested Protesters.

In a landmark address at State House on Wednesday, President William Ruto mandated the immediate release of all protesters wrongfully arrested during the recent anti-government demonstrations. This bold move comes in response to growing concerns over the treatment of peaceful demonstrators and the integrity of the nation's legal framework.

"It is imperative that the nation operates within the confines of the law and innocent protesters should not remain apprehended," President Ruto declared during his state address. Emphasizing the importance of justice, he urged criminal justice agencies to act swiftly. "I urge the criminal justice agencies to take effective measures and ensure that people who may have innocently caught up on the wrong side of things and those not implicated in crime be released and charges against them withdrawn," he stated.

The president's call for action comes amid widespread criticism of police brutality. Ruto condemned the excessive use of force by police officers and called for an immediate investigation into the incidents that led to the deaths of protesters. "I call on the NPS to use its mandate responsibly, professionally, and effectively in compliance with the constitution with a view to promoting national objectives of Article 238, 239, and 244 of our constitution," he noted. "All breaches and violations by police officers must be handled expeditiously through due process to give Kenyans a police service that upholds the highest standards of integrity."

File photo of Kenyans protesting.

In addition to addressing police conduct, President Ruto announced his intention to amend the evidence and witness protection acts. These amendments aim to enhance the fight against corruption by expediting investigations and prosecutions. "I will be proposing amendments to the evidence act and the criminal procedure code among other necessary legislative amendments to all statutes relating to corruption to expedite investigations and prosecution of corruption cases and provide for their conclusion within six months," he affirmed.

The urgency of these measures is underscored by recent reports from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), which revealed that 50 people have lost their lives since the start of the anti-finance bill protests on June 18, 2024. This tragic toll highlights the need for swift and decisive action to ensure justice and uphold human rights in Kenya.

As the nation watches closely, President Ruto's directives signal a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice and the protection of democratic freedoms in Kenya.