Former President, Uhuru Kenyatta, addressed the nation concerning the escalation of protests that led to the loss of lives and destruction of property as the Central Business District (CBD) — and Kenya at large — descended into chaos and violence following the passing of the Finance Bill by members of parliament. The former president expressed his profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the current turmoil.
Uhuru reminded Kenyans that the right to protest is enshrined in the constitution, and urged the current regime to reconsider its hardline stance on passing the Finance Bill, against the interest of those it would affect the most — the youth.
“My fellow Kenyans, I come to you with a heavy heart. Saddened by the loss of lives occasioned by the current situation prevailing in our country,” he began, highlighting the gravity of the crisis.
“It is the right of every Kenyan to protest as determined by the constitution we all promulgated in 2010. Leaders also must listen to those they lead,” he stated, urging leaders to remember their electoral mandate.
“At this trying time for our country, I want to remind all leaders that they were elected by the people. 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.”
Reflecting on the source of their authority, Uhuru reminded leaders of their responsibility, calling for calm and urging the leadership to demonstrate restraint and empathy.
“Leaders must know that the power and authority they have is donated to them by the people,” he asserted. “I therefore call for calm and for the leadership to show restraint and do the right thing by listening to the people and not being antagonistic to them. Violence on either side is not the answer.”
Uhuru shared his personal experience of the challenges of leadership, expressing empathy for the current leaders and prayed for wisdom, civility, and a peaceful resolution.
“As your former President, I have felt the weight and the difficulty of leading Kenya,” he acknowledged. I pray for peace and understanding on the part of each and every Kenyan and for all of us to remember that Kenya is bigger than one of us; there is nothing cast in stone that cannot be changed.”
