Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has spoken after deadly protests against the Finance Bill on Tuesday, June 25.
In a statement from his office, Uhuru said he was saddened by the deaths during the demonstrations.
“My fellow Kenyans, I come to you with a heavy heart. Saddened by the loss of lives occasioned by the current situation prevailing in our country. it is the right of every Kenyan to protest as determined as determined by the constitution we all promulgated in 2010. Leaders also must listen to those they lead,” Uhuru said.
Uhuru said this was a trying time for the country, and reminded all leaders that they were elected by the people.
“Listening to the people is not a choice but a mandate enshrined in the principles of our constitution and the very basis and philosophy of democracy. Leaders must know that the power and authority they have is donated to them by the people,” Uhuru added.
The retired President called for calm and for the leadership to show restraint and do the right thing by listening to the people and not being antagonistic to them.
Uhuru urged President William Ruto to speak to the people and hear their voices.
“Violence on either side is not the answer. As your former president, I have felt the weight and the difficulty of leading Kenya. I, therefore pray for wisdom and civility to be established and for peace and progress to belong to all of us as children of Kenya,”
“Dear Kenyans, I stand with you and I ask our leadership to embrace dialogue and SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE AND NOT AT THE PEOPLE. I pray for peace and understanding on the part of every Kenyan and for all of us to remember that Kenya is bigger than one of us; there is nothing cast in stone that cannot be changed.” Said Uhuru.
Treasonous events
Ruto in an address to the country warned those who allegedly planned the storming of Parliament will be dealt with.
”Today events mark a critical point on how we respond to threats to our peace,”
“We will ensure a situation of this nature does nor recur again.” He said.
