President William Ruto has vowed that the government will not stand by as criminal gangs exploit public demonstrations to spread fear, destroy property and rob innocent Kenyans, saying security officers have been instructed to stop such acts while remaining within the law.
Speaking at State House on Tuesday after receiving the report Developing a New Vision for Kenya: Towards a First World Nation, the President said there is a clear difference between citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest and criminals using demonstrations as an opportunity to commit offences.
"I have been following the debate. Demonstrations are democratic, constitutional and legal, but we also have criminals, thugs and characters who destroy people's property, steal from people and burn down buildings," he said.
Ruto said the country must confront the issue without hesitation, arguing that no society can tolerate violence, looting and destruction while claiming to uphold the rule of law.
"We really need to have a candid conversation about criminality, the rule of law and the security of our nation. There cannot be any defence for criminality. There cannot be any defence for breaking the law," he said.
The President also raised concern over how some suspects arrested during violent protests are handled after being taken to court, saying many quickly return to political activities after securing low bond terms.
"Some people are arrested with criminality, taken to court and given a bond of Sh200. They leave there because they are our children. Then they go to political rallies and then we have goons," he said.
"Then I don't know whether we want to say again these are our children the goons."
According to Ruto, more Kenyans are now united in rejecting criminal gangs that infiltrate demonstrations, adding that security agencies should take firm action while fully observing the law.
"Now that we have a consensus, our security agencies must do their job within the law. They must do their job and they must stop criminality. That is how we are going to secure Kenya's future," Ruto said.
He appealed to Kenyans to protect peace and stability, warning that countries can lose years of development when insecurity is allowed to take root.
Using Sudan as an example, the President said conflict had transformed what was once a thriving city into one struggling with destruction.
"Khartoum was a beautiful city three years ago. Today they have destroyed their country. People are trying to help, trying to do whatever we can do, but we must secure our country," he said.
Ruto also spoke about the influence of social media, noting that Kenyans spend more time online than users in many other countries around the world.
"Kenya, for your information, is number one in the whole world in the use of social media. It is said that every Kenyan, on average, spends four hours and a few minutes every day," he said.
Even as social media continues to shape public debate, the President said the country should remain focused on improving education, strengthening security and growing the economy while ensuring the law is respected by everyone.