Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on the government to listen to Kenyans after several protestors were shot dead on Tuesday, June 25.
In a statement to newsrooms, the former President urged the government to show restraint by listening to the people and not antagonizing them.
"Listening to the people is not a choice but a mandate enshrined in the principles of our constitution and in the very basis and philosophy of democracy. Leaders must know that the power and authority they have is donated to them by the people," remarked Kenyatta.
He added, "Dear Kenyans, I stand with you and ask our leadership to embrace dialogue and speak to the people and not speak at the people."
Kenyatta's statement came minutes after President William Ruto addressed Kenyans from State House following the chaotic nationwide protests.
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The Head of State said that Kenya experienced an ''unprecedented attack on its democracy, the rule of law and the integrity of its constitutional institutions''.
President Ruto noted that the Government had mobilised all the resources at the nation’s disposal to ensure that a situation of this nature would not recur again.
"I thank our security officers who were on duty today for applying themselves to the best of their abilities, in the defense of Kenya and its people. Accordingly, I have directed all the organs of our national security to deploy all measures to thwart any attempts by dangerous criminals to undermine the security and stability of our country," the President affirmed.
He added, "I assure Kenyans that we shall provide a full, effective, and expeditious response to today's treasonous events."
The anti-finance bill protests on Tuesday turned chaotic with several people shot dead. Protestors in Nairobi CBD accessed parliament and vandalized property of unknown value.
Reports indicate that protestors in Molo and Kikuyu targeted the houses of MPs Kuria Kimani and Kimani Ivhung'wah.
