Latest news with #WilliamRuto
News24
2 days ago
- Politics
- News24
Kenya's Ruto under fire for ‘shoot protesters' remark
Amnesty slammed President Ruto's call to shoot protesters as unlawful and dangerous. At least 38 people were killed and over 500 were injured during anti-government protests. Rights groups report police used live ammo, made unlawful arrests, and committed extrajudicial killings. Amnesty International on Tuesday slammed a call by the Kenyan president to shoot protesters, saying it would fuel more violence at a time of mounting anger and deadly anti-government rallies. At least 38 people died last week during demonstrations, rights groups say, marking the deadliest day of protests since the start of youth-led rallies against President William Ruto. The demonstrations have shaken the country and Ruto recently said protesters who engaged in violence 'should be shot in the leg'. Amnesty International's Kenya director Irungu Houghton said Ruto's comments were 'unlawful'. 'It is extremely dangerous for politicians to instruct police officers... on how to conduct policing during protests,' he said. Irungu said such orders 'would escalate the levels of violence' through 'greater conflict between police officers, protesters, bystanders, counter-protesters, and even criminals and bullies.' Rights groups have previously warned about the presence of armed men during protests and noted reports suggesting that some operate alongside police officers. Kenyan police have repeatedly denied the allegations. Luis Tato/AFP International criticism has also mounted, with the United Nations urging restraint. In a report released Tuesday by the Police Reforms Working Group - a coalition of grassroots and national rights groups, including Amnesty the report found the recent marches were 'marred by state violence, unlawful policing tactics.' The report said it had documented 'the use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians, extrajudicial executions, disappearances, and unlawful arrests.' It said: The evidence points to serious allegations of unlawful conduct and extrajudicial killings by individuals suspected to be police officers. The National Police Service did not return AFP's request for comment. The report said over 500 civilians and police officers were wounded, and more than 500 people are facing prosecution, including terrorism charges. It said the protests were responsible for an 'economic loss possibly as much as 1.1 billion Kenyan Shillings ($14 million)' but did not elaborate. Interior minister Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday said police excesses during protests will be investigated, adding: 'There is no law that excuses a police officer to commit crimes or kill people'. Murkomen also said that he will be issuing a policy directive on the use of force and firearms by officers on Friday. There was widespread looting and vandalism during the protests, with many businesses forced to close and employees remaining home to avoid the violence.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
The African Union has not announced plans to impeach Kenya's president
'Breaking News AU leaders plan to impeach President William Ruto amid frequent protests,' reads a post published on X on July 7, 2025. The accompanying graphic bears the branding of local news outlet ' and features an image of several African leaders, including former AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, ex-Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta and other leaders of member states, together with a smaller inset photo of Ruto shaking hands with opposition leader Raila Odinga. The graphic also includes a faint 'Mastardcesh' watermark, which is the name of the account that published it, indicating it was the source of the claim in question. The replies under the post suggest users believed the claim to be true. One user asked: 'Please do. How can we support?' 'This will be a very progressive movement for the African people at least this shows we have a working system for africans that are concerted with the ppl (sic),' wrote another. The claim was also published on Facebook here and here. However, the graphic in question is fake, and the AU has not announced plans to impeach Ruto. The digital card in question does not appear on the official social media pages for ' where such news reports are typically published. AFP Fact Check contacted the news outlet's social media manager Adongo Kyalo, who rejected the graphic. 'This is not from us,' he said, adding that users should 'check our social media pages on the quoted dates to confirm the authenticity of the graphics'. We also found no credible source of evidence on the AU announcing plans to impeach Ruto, following recent protests in Kenya. While the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, an organ of the AU, expressed concern over the recent events in Kenya, the continental body does not have the power to impeach the president of a member state (archived here and here). A sitting Kenyan president can only be impeached by parliament, as stipulated in Article 145 of the constitution (archived here). On July 7, 1990, Kenyans took to the streets to fight for multi-party democracy, in what became known as 'Saba Saba', which is Swahili for 'Seven Seven' (archived here). At the time, Kenya was under the autocratic rule of former president Daniel arap Moi and the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party, which outlawed opposition parties. The historic protests turned violent, resulting in multiple deaths and more than 1,000 arrests. Thirty-five years later, the 2025 commemoration of Saba Saba shares many similarities with the earlier movement, with nationwide protests leading to an economic shutdown and a violent police response that left at least 31 dead and saw over 500 arrested (archived here and here). The July 7 events took place just days after similarly violent demonstrations marked the anniversary of last year's finance bill protests, which culminated in a breach of parliament (archived here). Ruto has since warned against attempts to 'overthrow' the government through 'unconstitutional means' (archived here).
New York Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New York Times
Protests in Kenya
In Kenya, widespread antigovernment protests have escalated into deadly unrest and a deepening political crisis. Thousands of people nationwide have demonstrated against corruption and police brutality — and clashed with the police. Last week, officers fired live rounds at them and arrested more than 500. At least 38 people were killed, including two children, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said. Just a few weeks prior, police forces killed 16 people and injured over 400 others. For decades, Kenya has been a politically stable economic powerhouse, a democratic anchor in an increasingly tumultuous region. But now the government is cracking down: Authorities ordered broadcasters to stop covering the protests live and restricted internet access to the messaging app Telegram. President William Ruto said that protesters damaging businesses 'should be shot in the leg.' Some rights groups and opposition leaders are now warning of an authoritarian turn in the East African nation. Below, we explain how the protests began — and what may happen next. Why are people protesting? Kenya's protests are rooted in years of economic frustration, political disillusionment and growing anger at tough police tactics. People are angry that the economy has failed to deliver for most citizens. Youth unemployment is high, inflation erodes wages and many people can't get basic services like health care. Kenyans don't trust their institutions. President Ruto was elected in 2022, promising to fight corruption and represent the 'hustler nation' — the ordinary Kenyans struggling to make a living. But many now see those promises as hollow. Instead of reforms, they see ballooning debt, bloated government spending and officials showing off their wealth. A minister has openly spoken about his expensive watches, shoes and suits. Ruto has worn red-soled Louboutin shoes. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
France 24
3 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
Kenya holds tribute to protester killed in government crackdown on dissent
Africa 13:07 Issued on: 13:07 min From the show Hundreds of Kenyans have gathered to mourn the street vendor shot dead by police during recent protests in Nairobi. The tragedy has intensified calls for President William Ruto's resignation, following his controversial order to shoot anyone caught stealing or vandalising property during demonstrations. Also in this edition: Cameroon has officially set a date for its presidential election, with President Paul Biya announcing it will take place on October 12. However, he did not disclose whether he will seek re-election. Debates are emerging regarding his candidacy, as some members within his own party are questioning the 92-year-old's fitness and ability to handle another term in office. Plus, a research unit at the University of Cape Town is taking South Africa 's Home Affairs department to court over a backlog of over 200,000 birth certificate applications, some of which have been pending for up to seven years. Critics say the system, which was meant to stop illegal immigration, is punishing vulnerable citizens, leaving many unable to access healthcare, finish school or find legal work.
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Right to protest
Is there a right to protest? In some countries it is just too risky even if it is not illegal. The Tiananmen Square protests in China left hundreds, if not thousands dead, although many Chinese might not know of it now. Many other countries have similar stories. The Kenyan President William Ruto had declared "Don't kill them, but ensure their legs are broken.' as a way of handling disruptive protesters, so it might be legal but certainly not advised. Both of these examples are the extremes but what of a peaceful country like Australia? In one of our states, Victoria, there are frequent and increasingly aggressive protests so the government is looking at bringing in new rules. The regular protestors or 'professional' agitators face court based exclusion orders which if they defy can result in up to two years in jail or fines of up to $22,000. The wearing of masks, often by far-right individuals or groups, is also going to be banned. There are many civil libertarians who are concerned by these changes and will oppose them. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
