Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has condemned the recent surge in violence during Gen Z-inspired protests and called for the resignation of President William Ruto’s administration.
The party expressed grave concerns over the escalation of violence in the past two weeks, attributing the unrest to disenfranchised and disillusioned Kenyan youth exercising their constitutional rights to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and petition. The protests, which have garnered significant attention both locally and internationally, have been met with a harsh response from the government.
“The Ruto regime has attempted to silence these voices through intimidation, arrests, abductions, and hijackings, but these tactics have failed and will continue to fail,” said Wiper Party Leader Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka.
Azimio cited reports from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and international media indicating that police have executed a shoot-to-kill order, resulting in the deaths of 41 young Kenyans and over 300 hospitalizations due to gunshot wounds.
The coalition accused the government of infiltrating the peaceful protests with hired goons to incite violence and chaos. “These disgraceful, criminal, and illegal activities violate the right to peaceful protest as provided in Article 37 of The Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” he added
Despite a court injunction prohibiting the use of live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protests, police have continued to use arbitrary gunfire, leading to more casualties. Azimio demanded swift action from the police to identify and apprehend the violent elements that have infiltrated the protests.
The coalition also questioned President Ruto’s motives, suggesting that his administration’s actions might be aimed at declaring a state of emergency to suspend the Kenyan Constitution. They highlighted several grievances, including punitive tax policies, increased borrowing, corruption, ethnic hiring practices, and the high cost of living, which they claim have led to widespread public dissatisfaction.
Generation Z, according to Azimio, is particularly frustrated and demanding immediate change. “Kenyans have had enough of Ruto and are demanding that #RutoMustGo today, not tomorrow,” Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said
Azimio called for the immediate signing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which has reportedly been delayed on President Ruto’s desk. The coalition emphasized the importance of this bill in holding legislative representatives accountable.
Azimio offered condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones due to police action and wished a quick recovery to those injured. The party urged all Kenyans to unite in defense of justice, democracy, and peace, calling for President Ruto to take responsibility for his actions and step down to allow for a smooth transition of power.