NAIROBI: Kenya’s President William Ruto has expressed apology for the “arrogance and show of opulence” by MPs and ministers from the ruling party and pledged action against “rogue” police personnel who shot at unarmed people during deadly protests and the storming of parliament over plans to increase taxes.
Ruto said public speaking was “difficult” and many people make “mistakes” for which he takes complete responsibility and pledged change in the conduct of his officials.
Kenya experienced two weeks of political unrest during which Parliament was stormed by activists during a bill vote. Ruto stated he regretted the abduction and that he would take action, saying that “that is not right.” “You do not deserve the kind of treatment you went through,” he said.
The president stated that the police are completely independent and not controlled by the executive branch of government but pledged to ensure that those responsible would be prosecuted.
Earlier, Ruto said that he would not ink the finance bill and communicated to Parliament that the proposed bill should be withdrawn, but protests continued with calls for him to quit over poor governance.
