President William Ruto has ordered the Inspector-General of Police to launch immediate and decisive investigations into the recent wave of violence, looting, and destruction that targeted traders during Wednesday's protests.
Speaking during the commemoration of World MSMEs Day, the president expressed deep regret over the loss of lives and destruction of property.
He lamented that hardworking Kenyans, especially small-scale traders, were the biggest victims.
"Businesses built over decades were burned to the ground, stalls destroyed, warehouses ransacked, and livelihoods reduced to ashes. This was not a peaceful protest. It was calculated chaos. It was economic sabotage," Ruto stated.
He condemned what he termed as “anarchy dressed in freedom colours” and “disorder disguised as democracy,” warning those responsible that they would face justice.
"I expect the Inspector General and all relevant security agencies to conduct immediate, thorough, and speedy investigations," he directed.
"The perpetrators must be identified, unmasked, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
The Head of State also sent a stern warning to political actors allegedly exploiting youth grievances to incite violence.
He urged them to seek leadership through democratic means, not destruction.
“Those who want power must convince Kenyans at the ballot, not burn down what others have built,” he said.
His statement follows a similar one by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday.
Murkomen warned that no one will be spared, including financiers.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting MSMEs and ensuring law and order.
He noted that Kenya will not be held hostage by violence. We will defend our democracy and secure the livelihoods of all Kenyans.
Ruto also lauded MSMEs, noting that it is the heartbeat of Kenya’s economy, noting that over 17 million Kenyans depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
He said the informal sector now accounts for more than 40 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), outpacing the formal sector in job creation and economic impact.
MSMEs, he said, are one of the five bottom-up agenda's core pillars.
"This sector is our economy’s engine. We are investing in infrastructure, financing, and policy reforms to ensure our hustlers grow into enterprises,” he said.
Ruto highlighted key interventions, including the construction of 280 modern markets, operationalisation of 13 County Aggregation and Industrial Parks, and disbursement of Sh71 billion through the Hustler Fund.
