President Ruto Skips Global Peace Leadership Conference
President William Ruto has opted out of the Global Peace Leadership Conference in Nairobi this week, according to organizers who made the announcement on Wednesday.
Conference Overview and Keynote Address Cancelled
Originally scheduled from June 25 to June 27, the summit aimed to convene global delegates to discuss strategies for advancing peace, development, and collaboration, as stated in promotional materials. President Ruto was slated to deliver a keynote address on Wednesday.
Cancellation Amidst National Unrest
However, citing recent events including fatalities and injuries during protests at Parliament on June 25, organizers canceled the opening ceremony and confirmed President Ruto’s withdrawal from the conference.
Mourning Lives Lost and National Healing
In a statement posted online, organizers expressed condolences for the lives lost, wished a speedy recovery for the injured, and called for national healing and unity moving forward.
Objectives of the Global Peace Leadership Conference
The Global Peace Leadership Conference, organized by the Global Peace Foundation, in collaboration with the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, the Chandaria Foundation, and the Kenyan government, aims to foster an African Renaissance rooted in the continent’s spiritual and traditional values. It seeks to empower African leadership, strengthen intracontinental partnerships, and promote ethical global citizenship.
Leadership and Co-Chairs
The conference is co-chaired by former Zanzibar President Amani Karume, International President James Flynn of the Global Peace Foundation, Kenyan industrialist Manu Chandaria, and Willybard Lagho, chair of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya.
Nationwide Protests and Legislative Turmoil
Tuesday witnessed nationwide protests led by youth groups in opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, a legislative proposal by President Ruto’s government to introduce new taxes. Demonstrations escalated into violence as protesters breached Parliament buildings in Nairobi following the bill’s passage by legislators.
Escalation and Casualties
Amid chaotic scenes, protesters seized the ceremonial mace, vandalized parts of the parliament building, and set fires. Police responded with live ammunition, resulting in five deaths and over 30 injuries, as reported by Amnesty International. The human rights organization HAKI Africa documented over 125 injured individuals during the unrest.
President Ruto’s Response and Government Action
In a late-night address, President William Ruto condemned the day’s events as treasonous, attributing the chaos to organized criminal elements exploiting legitimate concerns over the Finance Bill. He pledged to take decisive action against those responsible and deployed military support to reinforce law enforcement efforts.
International Calls for Restraint and Dialogue
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and facilitate peaceful demonstrations, while African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki urged all stakeholders to prioritize calm and constructive dialogue.
This turn of events underscores the challenges facing Kenya in balancing democratic expression with maintaining public order and security, as stakeholders seek pathways to resolve the ongoing crisis and restore stability.
