Kenya's president calls the storming of parliament a security threat, vows to restore 'normalcy'

(25 Jun 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

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ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nairobi - 25 June 2024
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1. SOUNDBITE (English) William Ruto, Kenyan President:
"As I promised on Sunday, this conversation will not be in vain. I will not only champion for the cause of issue-based policy oriented and tribalist engagement on critical national issues, but also provide a framework for this conversation to be processed on its outcomes implemented. However, our national conversation on any subject matter must be conducted in a manner that respects and honours the foundational values upon which our nation is established, namely constitutionalism, the rule of law and respect for institutions."
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2. SOUNDBITE (English) William Ruto, Kenyan President:
"It is very painful for Kenya, that a conversation this crucial was hijacked by dangerous people who have caused us that kind of loss we have incurred as a nation today. It is possible that the criminals who reigned terror on innocent people and attempted to challenge our law enforcement deployments are still determined to continue with their dangerous behaviour."
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3. SOUNDBITE (English) William Ruto, Kenyan President:
"I assure the nation of the government's determination to fulfil its constitutional duty of protecting the people of Kenya against all forms of harm. I hereby put on notice the plans financial, orchestrators and arbiters of violence and anarchy. That the security infrastructure established to protect our republic and its sovereignty will be deployed to secure the country and restore normalcy."
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4. SOUNDBITE (English) William Ruto, Kenyan President:
"We must isolate crime from democratic expression and separate criminals from people exercising the freedom of expression and divergent opinion. I shall continue to lead a government that is fully committed to maintaining the integrity of our state. Promoting the unity of our nation and enhancing the peace and security of our citizens and their livelihoods."
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STORYLINE:
Kenya's president has called the storming of parliament on Tuesday a national security threat and vowed that such unrest won't happen again.

"It is very painful for Kenya, that a conversation this crucial was hijacked by dangerous people who have caused us that kind of loss we have incurred as a nation today," President William Ruto said.

Ruto spoke in a national address hours after part of Kenya’s parliament building was burned as thousands of protesters against a new finance bill entered and legislators fled. It was the most direct assault on the government in decades.

Journalists saw at least three bodies outside the complex where police had opened fire, and medical workers reported five others killed. Clashes spread to other cities.

Kenya’s defence minister said the military had been deployed to support police during the “security emergency” and “breaching of critical infrastructure.”

Protesters had demanded that legislators vote against the bill imposing new taxes on a country, East Africa's economic hub, where frustrations over the high cost of living have simmered.

Youth who had voted Ruto into power with cheers for his promises of economic relief have taken to the streets to object to the pain of reforms.

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