Former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, has issued a statement urging calm and restraint amidst the ongoing protests and violence in the country.
THE WHISTLER reported that at least five people were killed and dozens injured in protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
In his statement, former president Kenyatta reminded leaders that power is donated by the people and that listening to them is a mandate enshrined in the constitution and democracy.
“It is the right of every Kenyan to protest as determined by the constitution we all promulgated in 2010.
“It is also the duty of leaders to listen to those they lead. 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.
“Leaders must know that power and authority they have is donated to them by the people,” Kenyatta stated.
He also called for dialogue and wisdom, urging “the leadership to show restraint and do the right thing by listening to the people and not being antagonistic to them”.
He emphasised that Kenya is bigger than any individual and that nothing is cast in stone that cannot be changed.
Human rights groups and medical professionals have condemned the violence, reporting fatal shootings, injuries from live bullets, rubber bullets, and tear gas canisters.
Ex-President Kenyatta Calls For Calm As Violent Protests Grip Kenya is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
