President Ruto orders the immediate release of protesters wrongfully arrested
Speaking during a state address on Wednesday at State House, Ruto said that it is imperative that the nation operates within the confines of the law and innocent protesters should not remain apprehended.
"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innocently caught up on the wrong side of things and those not implicated in crime be released and charges against them withdrawn," he said.
Ruto added that the move will allow security agencies to devote more resources and time to investigating serious criminal cases involving individuals who caused mayhem during the protests.
"It is important that these individuals are brought to book," added Ruto.
Ruto also condemned police officers' use of brutal force against protesters, calling for an immediate investigation into those responsible for the witnessed killings.
"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," noted Ruto.
"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."
The Head of State also stated that, in response to calls to uphold integrity in governance and combat corruption, he will amend the evidence and witness protection acts to accelerate progress towards these goals.
"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 6 months," noted Ruto.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported that a total of 50 people have lost their lives across Kenya since the commencement of the anti-finance bill demonstrations on June 18, 2024.
KNHCR also stated that 682 people were "arbitrarily arrested," while 59 people were reportedly abducted by police and reported missing since the beginning of the demonstrations.
More than 100 people arrested during the July 16 protests in the capital were formally charged and released by a court after spending the night in police custody.
Lawyer James wa Njeri said that all the accused persons, totaling 109, were released on a Ksh.500 cash bail with the charge, for all accused, being 'drunk and disorderly.'
