Protesters labeled "disorder disguised as freedom" by Ruto, traders lament financial repercussions
Tone-Adapted Rewrite:
scrub the chaotic aftermath of the Gen Z uprising, President William Ruto branded the unrest as "anarchy masquerading as freedom" – a harsh critique after businesses across the country suffered heavy losses and destruction.
A multitude of businesses in major cities like Nairobi, Nakuru, Naivasha, Ol Kalou, and Bungoma were ransacked or burned as what started peacefully quickly turned into a powder keg of chaos. Traders picked up the pieces on Thursday, trying to assess the damage as they reopened their stores.
"This wasn't a peaceful protest," Ruto said on Friday during World MSME Day at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. "Instead, we witnessed calculated chaos, violence, destruction, and economic sabotage – let's call it what it is."
Street vendors and business owners watched as their life's work went up in flames – warehouses, market stalls, and decades of toil were destroyed within hours. Ruto questioned whether this was the vision for the future, stating: "Is this the Kenya we truly aim for?"
Featuring the destruction of businesses, this disturbing spectacle raised questions about the motivations behind the protests. Those attacking businesses were not fighting for freedom, Ruto asserted, instead they were attacking it.
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Ruto addressed the police force and security agencies, urging them to investigate swiftly and bring the perpetrators of the violence to justice. He reminded them that Kenya operates under the rule of law, and the government would not tolerate lawlessness destroying businesses, lives, and the economy.
"To political actors who wish to manipulate the genuine aspirations of our youth for violence and chaos, the wheels of justice will find you," Ruto warned. "You will face the law, and it will deal firmly and decisively with you within the bounds of the law."
He implored those seeking power to wait for elections and to win fairly, condemning the path of replacing a plan with hate and chaos as counterproductive.
Recognizing the pain endured by families who lost loved ones and property during the clashes, Ruto acknowledged the importance of upholding freedom of speech. However, he emphasized that the government would never tolerate violence disrupting the peace or crippling the economy.
By Taboola: Uncover The Top Stories Beating Your Radar By Taboola:
- Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen reports 9 police stations attacked, 5 torched, and firearms stolen in Dagoretti
- Over ten people killed, at least 400 injured (including 300 police officers), and over 100 vehicles destroyed during protests
- Traders in affected areas voice their massive financial losses, blaming infiltration of protesters for the damages
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- In the midst of the turmoil, the 'epaper' continued to provide updates on the Gen Z uprising, shedding light on the 'general-news' and 'politics' that surrounded it.
- Economy-driven organizations slammed the chaos, expressing their concerns about the impact on 'business' and 'entertainment' industries due to the widespread 'car-accidents' and destruction of properties.
- 'Health' facilities were put under pressure, treating the injured from 'crime-and-justice' incidents that escalated during the protests, while doctors voiced their concerns about the shortage of resources.
- 'War-and-conflicts' analysts observed the potential long-term effects of the unrest on Kenya's political landscape, cautioning that the events could lead to more 'politics' instability in the future.
- As the dust settles, various interest groups are calling for accountability, with the 'politics' section of the 'epaper' covering stories about the pursuit of justice for the victims of 'accidents' and police brutality, and the ongoing investigation into the root causes of the Gen Z uprising.
