Ruto: Gen Z protests were a call to be heard, not an assault on democracy

President William Ruto defended the right to peaceful protest in Kenya, distinguishing it from the violence seen during the 2024 Gen Z-led demonstrations. He emphasized that while citizens have a right to be heard, constitutional freedoms do not permit the destruction of property.
Why it matters
This statement reflects the ongoing tension between government authority and civil unrest in Kenya, highlighting the challenges of balancing democratic expression with public order.
President William Ruto s peaking at the 16th Katiba Day Symposium at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on August 27, 2026/PCS
The article reports on the president's speech while providing context on the protests, maintaining a neutral reporting tone.
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