President William Ruto has acknowledged failures in the government’s handling of Kenya’s Gen Z protests, saying no Kenyan should have lost their life for exercising constitutional rights.
Speaking during Katiba Day celebrations at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi on August 27, Ruto ordered investigations into allegations of unlawful arrests, abductions, disappearances and excessive use of force during the 2024 and 2025 demonstrations.
The admission marks a notable shift from the government’s response during the protests, which began in June 2024 over the Finance Bill and grew into a wider movement demanding accountability and better governance.
At the time, President Ruto took a much harder line. In a national address during the 2024 unrest, he described some protesters as “treasonous criminals”.
President Ruto Acknowledges the Pain Left by the Protests
The demonstrations became some of the most serious confrontations between young Kenyans and the government since President Ruto took office. Several protesters were killed or injured, while rights groups and other observers raised allegations of excessive force and unlawful arrests.
Ruto now says the loss of life was unacceptable.
“No Kenyan should lose their life, liberty or dignity merely for criticizing the government, expressing an unpopular opinion or participating in peaceful demonstrations,” he said.
He also acknowledged the lasting impact on families affected by the unrest.
“I recognize the pain that remains from the events of that period,” President Ruto said, referring to allegations involving unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances and excessive use of lethal force.
The President said investigations should establish what happened and determine whether officials or other individuals should face consequences.
A Shift From Ruto’s Earlier Hard-Line Position
“Every credible allegation of human rights violation must be investigated independently, thoroughly and transparently,” he said. “Where wrongdoing is established, those responsible must be held accountable in accordance with the law.”
President Ruto also drew a line between peaceful protest and criminal activity. He said the Constitution protects peaceful and unarmed assembly but does not shield acts such as arson, looting, violence or destruction of property.
That distinction reflects the government’s long-standing position that while citizens have a constitutional right to demonstrate, that right does not extend to criminal conduct.
The latest remarks come as questions over accountability for the protests remain unresolved.
Investigations Will Test Promise of Accountability
In June this year, the National Police Service ordered an investigation after footage emerged showing the alleged mistreatment of a protester with a disability during the Gen Z anniversary demonstrations in Nakuru.
For families who lost relatives and protesters who say they were abused, the test will now be whether the promised investigations are independent, transparent and followed by action.
President Ruto’s acknowledgement has opened the door to that process. What remains is whether it will deliver answers and accountability for those still waiting for both.
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