Ruto vows action against 'criminals' who burned Parliament

President William Ruto has vowed swift and decisive action against the “goons” who invaded and torched Parliament Buildings.

According to Ruto, those who committed the heinous acts were criminals who exploited a peaceful protest against the finance bill and must face the force of the law.

He said while the youths had every right to stage the protest, it was unfortunate that a few elements took advantage of it to engage in criminal activities.

“Wale walienda kuchoma bunge sio hawa watoto, sio watoto wetu, ni criminals ambao tutawatafuta na hawatahepa,” he said.

(Those who set fire on Parliament are not our children, those are criminals and we are going to search for them.)

“They will not escape, you cannot destroy public property,” he said.

The head of state who was speaking during a meeting with African Independent Pentecostal Church Africa (AIPCA) bishops said there is absolutely no reason why some individuals can engage in property destruction while purporting to be protesting.

Ruto emphasised the need to distinguish between the concerns raised by the youth and criminality in the process.

“How is destroying, looting property or burning a CDF office going to help us address the issues that are being raised?” he questioned.

“We must separate the issues raised by our young people and the criminality of those who are looting people’s shops. These are separate issues and we must deal with them as they are,” he stated.

He also defended the youth who turned out to stage the protest saying they were peaceful and did it regardless of their tribes.

Ruto at the same time expressed optimism that the planned multi-sectoral engagements will help address pertinent issues facing the country.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei kicked off the process Saturday of initiating the national dialogue.

Koskei announced that all national-level umbrella organisations representing the youth, civil society, religious organisations, professional bodies, business community organisations, academia, student leadership, majority and minority leaders in Parliament, the Council of Governors, and other stakeholders are required to nominate representatives to constitute the National Steering Committee of the NMSF.

He noted that the committee comprising 100 persons shall be the apex organ of the NMSF, charged with providing the framework, modalities, agenda and timelines for a nationwide dialogue on matters raised by the youth.

The matters include jobs, the nation’s tax policy, national debt burden, representation and accountability, anti-corruption measures and any other agenda item deemed appropriate.

“Each umbrella body is requested to nominate two representatives of either gender for consideration to the NSC,” Koskei stated.

“The nominations should be addressed to the Executive Office of the President, Harambee House.”