NAIROBI, Kenya Jul 24 – President William Ruto now says that the government will drop charges against innocent persons arrested in the recent protests across the country.
Addressing the Nation on Wednesday at Statehouse Ruto admitted instances where the police used excessive, unlawful, and dangerous force while dealing with the protestors, urging that those that were innocently implicated in various crimes during protests be released and their charges withdrawn.
Ruto said their release will enable the police officers to focus their resources on investigating and prosecuting persons who took advantage of the peaceful protestors to engage in serious crimes committed during the national-wide demonstrations.
“Unfortunately there have been many instances of excessive, unlawful, dangerous and harmful conduct during protests and as a consequence, many have been arrested and charged. I urge the criminal justice agency to take effective measures and ensure that people who were caught on the wrong side of things are released and charges against them withdrawn.,” he stated.
Ruto also assured that his administration will also support businesses vandalized during the demonstrations.
He therefore directed relevant ministries to gather accurate data and information within a period of 30 days to facilitate measures of supporting businesses of those affected.
“Over the last month, the livelihoods and property of many innocent people have been destroyed jeopardizing the welfare of their dependents. The government will take measures to support these Kenyans on the path to recovery of their business,” he said.
During the protests, many business owners were left counting millions of losses after their shops and businesses were vandalized and looted by goons who infiltrated the youth-led demonstrations against the government.
Most of them, particularly in Nairobi Central Business District and also in major towns across the country, were also forced to close down their shops during the demonstration for fear of the goons.
