Kenya: Ruto - No Kenyan Should Lose Life, Liberty or Dignity for Criticising Govt

What the report says

President William Ruto used a constitutional anniversary event in Nairobi to restate that Kenyans have the right to criticise the government, hold unpopular views and join peaceful demonstrations without risking their life, liberty or dignity. According to Capital FM’s report distributed by AllAfrica, he spoke at the 16th Katiba Day Symposium at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on Thursday, where he described peaceful protest and dissent as important parts of democracy.

Ruto linked his remarks to Kenya’s 2024 Gen Z-led protests, saying those who took to the streets were exercising rights protected by the Constitution, including assembly, demonstration and petition. He said their calls for accountability and better governance should be treated as part of democratic participation, not as an attack on the system.

The president also acknowledged that the protests left some families grieving and raised allegations of unlawful arrests, disappearances and excessive force. He said such claims should be investigated independently and transparently, with accountability where warranted. At the same time, he drew a line between peaceful protest and criminal conduct, saying the state must protect freedoms while responding to violence and property destruction under the law.

The remarks come as Kenya marks 16 years since the 2010 Constitution was promulgated. More broadly, they highlight ongoing public debate over civil liberties, protest rights and state accountability in Kenya's political life.