Those Who Want To Demonstrate Can Demonstrate – Ruto

President William Ruto on Wednesday, June 19 said Kenyans are free to demonstrate. 

During a meeting with the ANC leader at State House in Nairobi, the president said Kenya was a democratic country and civil society could do what it wanted.

The Head of State however said decisions have to be made by government institutions.

“The civil society is free to do what they want to do. We are a democratic country we have no problem. Those who want to demonstrate they can demonstrate it is their right no problem but decisions have to be made by institutions,” said Ruto.

The President noted that he would continue respecting government institutions as they work for the people of Kenya.

“I will make sure as President I will respect institutions so that we can make the right decisions and centralize the place of the people of Kenya,” Ruto added.

His remarks come after a number of Kenyan youth led the 'occupy parliament' protests in Nairobi CBD on Tuesday.

The protests were held to compel MPs to reject the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which had proposals for increasing taxation.

The youthful protestors engaged the anti-riot police officers in running battles with over 100 of them being arrested and taken to different police stations across Nairobi.

Despite being arrested the protestors took photos and recorded videos even inside police cells.

The Tuesday demos caught the attention of Azimio leader Raila Odinga who thanked Kenyans for standing up to exercise their democratic rights.

The former Premier also praised a young lady who had asked him to keep off the protests.

"I'm a very proud father today! Hongera sana to the young lady and all those who bravely stood up for their rights,” said Raila.