President William Ruto has called for a nationwide boycott, emphasizing the risks of chaos and property destruction associated with the demonstrations. Addressing the public in Embu on Wednesday, President Ruto denounced the planned protests, urging Kenyans to reject any form of unrest that disrupts national development.
The president’s remarks come in the wake of growing calls for the ‘Nane Nane’ demonstrations, which have gained traction, particularly among the youth, across various social media platforms. The protests, organized under the hashtag #NaneNaneMarch, are scheduled for August 8, a date traditionally associated with agricultural celebrations in Kenya, but this year has been repurposed by activists to voice grievances against the government.
President Ruto expressed his concern about the potential for violence and destruction that could accompany the protests. “We are a peaceful country. We don’t want chaos in our country; we don’t want protests which lead to deaths and destruction of property. People’s properties are being destroyed,” he said. The president’s remarks underscore his administration’s stance against any form of public demonstration that might result in loss of life or damage to property.
During his visit to Embu, where he was accompanied by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President Ruto launched several development projects, highlighting his administration’s commitment to advancing infrastructure and social welfare. The president’s focus on development projects contrasts sharply with the disruption anticipated from the planned demonstrations.
The call for a boycott is supported by acting Police Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli, who also voiced concerns about the security implications of the upcoming protests. Masengeli warned that intelligence reports suggest the demonstrations could be infiltrated by individuals with criminal intentions, posing a significant threat to national security. “Our intelligence reports indicate that there are security threats to the country with criminals planning to infiltrate tomorrow’s demonstrations and commit further crimes,” Masengeli stated.
The acting Inspector General assured the public that law enforcement agencies are prepared to handle any potential violence. “The initial demonstrations held in June were peaceful but subsequent protests morphed into riots, with looters destroying and stealing property,” Masengeli noted. In response, the police have increased their deployment to ensure the safety of the public and prevent any escalation of violence.
The tension surrounding the ‘Nane Nane’ protests reflects broader concerns about political stability and public safety in Kenya. As the country faces various economic and social challenges, the potential for protests to devolve into violent confrontations raises significant concerns among both government officials and ordinary citizens.
The government’s stance, as articulated by President Ruto and supported by the police, highlights a growing emphasis on maintaining public order and ensuring that development projects are not hindered by unrest. As Kenyans await the day of the planned demonstrations, the overarching message from the government is clear: the focus should remain on progress and development rather than disruptions that could derail national efforts.
In summary, President Ruto’s call for a boycott of the ‘Nane Nane’ protests and the heightened security measures indicate a strong government response aimed at preventing chaos and safeguarding national stability. The coming hours will be crucial in determining whether the planned demonstrations will remain peaceful or succumb to the threats of violence that have been warned against.
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