President Ruto faces criticism over killings of Kenyan protesters

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the killing of unarmed protesters by Kenyan security forces amid ongoing anti-government demonstrations.

The protests, which coincide with the 35th anniversary of Kenya’s historic Saba Saba movement — a pivotal moment in the country’s march towards multi-party democracy, have reportedly left at least 11 people dead, according to CNN.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 8, Frank described the killings as “barbaric and unacceptable in a democracy,” urging Kenyan President William Ruto to take immediate action to halt the violence.

“It is time to stop these avoidable murders,” Frank said, calling on Ruto to ensure security agencies respect the rule of law and the rights of citizens.

Frank demanded the immediate release of all detained protesters and extended his condolences to bereaved families.

“They would be remembered as those who died fighting for a better future for their country,” he noted.

The Nigerian political activist also appealed to international leaders to speak out against the violence.

“I call on the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the United Nations to intervene and call Ruto to order over his dictatorial actions.”

Citing America’s handling of protests, Frank added, “We saw recently when there was protest against Trump. They did not deploy the National Guard to kill the protesters but rather to protect them, and that is what democracy is all about.”

The pursuit of societal change through protest, while a cornerstone of democratic expression, often carries inherent risks that can tragically undermine its objectives. Intended to amplify grievances, protests can unfortunately devolve into chaos, leading to loss of life, property destruction, and eroded public trust.

The recent bloodshed in Kenya, where security forces reportedly killed unarmed anti-government demonstrators, starkly reminds us of these potential pitfalls.

Nigeria's #EndSARS movement, a powerful youth-led protest against police brutality in October 2020, exemplifies how a legitimate outcry can take a devastating turn.

What began as a peaceful demand for reform tragically escalated, culminating in the Lekki Toll Gate shooting and widespread unrest.

This not only overshadowed the movement's initial successes but also highlighted the dangers when peaceful demonstrations encounter excessive force or are hijacked by elements seeking discord.

The parallels between the Kenyan situation and #EndSARS underscore a global challenge: balancing the right to protest with maintaining law and order.

As Frank rightly asserts, using live ammunition against unarmed citizens is unacceptable in a democracy.

Both cases serve as somber lessons that, without responsible governance, respect for human rights, and a commitment to de-escalation, protest—a vital tool for progress—can paradoxically become a catalyst for further suffering and instability.