President William Ruto has clarified that he should not be blamed over the killing of people during anti-Finance Bill protests in different parts of the country.

Speaking during an interview with journalists at State House, in Nairobi on Sunday June 30, 2024, President Ruto noted that he was not responsible for the deaths of Kenyans shot dead by police during the protests.

“I have no blood on my hands,” said Ruto during the interview.

“It is very unfortunate. As a democracy that should not be part of our conversation,” he added.

He added that the government will launch investigations into the killing of about 19 people who were shot dead during protests.

The Head of State emphasized that there will be an explanation for each and every person who was shot dead by police in Nairobi and other parts of the country.

“The police have done the best they could,” said Ruto.

“If there have been any excesses, we have mechanisms to make sure that those excesses are dealt with,” he added.

According to the President, any killer cop who went beyond what is provided for in the law will have action taken against them.

Additionally, he issued a warning to people responsible for the attack on parliament saying they would also face consequences.

“Criminals infiltrated and caused mayhem,” he stated. “Those who attacked Parliament and the judiciary are on CCTV.”

“Many of them are on the run but we will catch them,” he added.

Meanwhile, hundreds of young people marched along streets in Nairobi on Sunday June 30, 2024 in remembrance of those who lost their lives during ‘reject Finance Bill’ protests.

According to the civil society and rights groups, the government’s push to significantly hike taxes in the the country caused protests that resulted in at least 30 deaths.

However, President Ruto had made a U-turn earlier this week, vowing to listen to the people and not to sign the Finance Bill into law.