President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenyans’ constitutional right to criticise the government, express unpopular views and participate in peaceful demonstrations, saying nobody should lose their life, freedom or dignity for exercising those rights. Speaking during the 16th Katiba Day celebrations on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Ruto also called for independent investigations into credible allegations of human rights violations.
Highlights
- Ruto defended Kenyans’ right to criticise the government.
- He said peaceful and unarmed demonstrations are protected by the Constitution.
- The President called for independent investigations into credible human rights claims.
- He said anyone found responsible for wrongdoing should face the law.
- Ruto warned that violence, looting and destruction of property are not protected forms of protest.
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Ruto Reaffirms Constitutional Rights
President William Ruto has used this year’s Katiba Day address to reaffirm the constitutional freedoms enjoyed by Kenyans, including the right to criticise those in power and participate in peaceful demonstrations.
Speaking on Thursday, August 27, during celebrations marking the 16th anniversary of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, Ruto said citizens should not face loss of life, liberty or dignity simply because they hold views that challenge the government.
His remarks placed constitutional rights, accountability and the conduct of protests at the centre of his address.
Acknowledging Pain From Past Unrest
Ruto also recognised the pain experienced by families during previous periods of unrest.
He acknowledged allegations involving unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances and the use of lethal force, saying such claims should not be ignored in the name of protecting state authority.
The President said credible allegations of violations must be addressed through proper investigations rather than being dismissed.
Calls for Independent Investigations
Ruto called for investigations into credible claims of human rights violations to be independent, thorough and transparent.
He further said that individuals found responsible for wrongdoing should face legal consequences.
The President’s remarks come amid continued public debate over the protection of constitutional freedoms and the responsibilities of security agencies when dealing with demonstrations.
Ruto Defends Peaceful Demonstrations
While defending the right to protest, Ruto drew a distinction between peaceful demonstrations and criminal acts.
He said the Constitution protects peaceful and unarmed assembly, but does not extend the same protection to activities such as arson, looting or violence.
According to the President, authorities should therefore avoid treating every protester as a criminal simply because some participants may engage in unlawful behaviour.
At the same time, protesters should not invoke constitutional freedoms to justify criminal conduct.
Finding the Balance
Ruto said Kenya must find a balance that protects citizens’ rights while maintaining public order.
His position was that peaceful protest should not be criminalised because of the actions of a few individuals, just as violence should not be legitimised simply because it occurs during a demonstration.
The remarks highlight one of the central challenges surrounding Kenya’s constitutional democracy: protecting the right to dissent while ensuring that demonstrations remain peaceful.
Katiba Day Reflection
Katiba Day commemorates the promulgation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, a document that significantly expanded the country’s Bill of Rights and established stronger safeguards around governance and accountability.
Ruto’s address placed those principles at the heart of this year’s celebrations, particularly the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
As Kenya continues to navigate political disagreements and public demonstrations, the President’s message puts responsibility on both sides authorities must respect constitutional freedoms, while citizens exercising those freedoms must remain within the law.
A democracy is tested not only by how it treats those who agree with the government, but by how it protects those who choose to disagree.
