Ruto Debunks Allegations of Child’s Shooting in Rongai
President William Ruto
Ruto Challenges Allegations of Child’s Shooting in Rongai
President William Ruto disputed reports that a young child sustained eight gunshot wounds during anti-government protests in Ongata Rongai.
Clarification During Space Conversation
Speaking on Osama Otero’s Space Conversation, Ruto explained that the photos used were from a past incident in Buru Buru and did not depict the situation in Rongai. He criticized opportunists for exploiting peaceful protests.
President’s Direct Response
“It was claimed that a young Kenyan was shot eight times. That’s false. The incident with eight shots occurred years ago in Buru Buru,” Ruto stated emphatically.
Public Reaction and Accountability
Online, Kenyans demanded accountability from the President for the alleged excessive force used by anti-riot officers during peaceful protests.
Constitutional Rights and Misconduct
“The Constitution protects the right to protest. However, some protests were hijacked. Those who burned parliament were not peaceful protestors,” Ruto asserted.
Mother’s Heartbreaking Account
Kennedy Onyango, a 12-year-old reportedly shot eight times, was not involved in the protests. His mother, speaking to Citizen Digital, emphasized his innocence and dreams.
Mother’s Testimony
“My child was innocent. He wasn’t at the protests, he didn’t steal. The bullets were meant to kill a thief, not a 12-year-old,” Kennedy’s mother tearfully recounted.
Disputed Reports of Githurai Massacre
Ruto also dismissed reports of a massacre in Githurai where over 200 lives were allegedly lost, challenging families to step forward to confirm the claim.
President’s Call for Truth
“I will always speak the truth. Are you suggesting 200 people were killed in Githurai? Can their families step forward? 200 people is no trivial matter,” Ruto declared.
