Speak to the people, not at the people - Former President Uhuru says

In a statement to newsrooms, Uhuru while mourning the loss of Kenyans killed during the protests, underscored the importance of elected leaders listening to their constituents.

“At this trying time, I want to remind all leaders that they were elected by the people. Listening to the people is not a choice but a mandate enshrined in principles of our constitution and in the very basis of philosophy and democracy,” he said.

“Leaders must know that power and authority they have is donated to them by the people. I therefore call for calm and for the leadership to show restraint and do the right thing by listening to the people.”

According to Uhuru, the government should not use force and be antagonistic towards Kenyans exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful protests.

“Violence on either side is not the answer. As your former President, I have felt the weight and difficulty of leading Kenya I therefore pray for wisdom and civility to be established and for peace and progress to belong to all of us as children of Kenya,” he said.

Uhuru likewise urged the ruling government to embrace dialogue with Kenyans.

“I pray for understanding on the part of each and every Kenyan and for all of us to remember that Kenya is bigger than one of us; there is nothing cast in stone that cannot be changed,” said Uhuru.