Cabinet convenes amidst security concerns after nationwide riots

The Cabinet met Thursday and was briefed on the security situation in the country following days of riots.

At State House Nairobi, President William Ruto chaired the meeting where it was reported that the riots initially began as protests against the tax measures proposed in the Finance Bill 2024.

However, the situation was later exacerbated by infiltration from criminal and opportunistic political elements.

Over the past two weeks, these groups have terrorized Kenyans in cities, towns, and urban areas, resulting in loss of life and extensive damage to national and county government buildings, infrastructure, vehicles, homes, and businesses.

Due to the severe threat posed to critical national institutions such as the Parliament and the Supreme Court, the Cabinet was informed that all national security agencies, including the military, were deployed to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

The Cabinet was further briefed that security agencies have successfully stabilized the situation and are actively monitoring developments nationwide.

Acknowledging the professionalism of security officers under challenging circumstances, Cabinet members commended their efforts. They emphasized that security agencies effectively protected the nation from anarchists during this turbulent period.

President Ruto underscored the need for the government to now focus on charting a new future for the country. He highlighted the necessity of making significant changes to align with this vision.

Addressing concerns about any officers who may have acted outside the law, the Cabinet assured that they will be held accountable through proper legal procedures and institutional mechanisms.

The Cabinet also called for swift action against individuals involved in serious crimes such as arson, looting, and robbery, stressing that such acts must not go unpunished.

Regarding the withdrawn Finance Bill, President Ruto announced that the National Treasury is restructuring the budget to accommodate the new circumstances. This will involve significant budget cuts to prioritize essential national programs while balancing immediate needs.

“Our plan is robust and sustainable, and we are confident it will stand the test of time,” President Ruto affirmed.

In other discussions, the Cabinet deliberated on the implementation of the Kenya Urban Improvement Project in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. This includes the phased upgrade of the 163km Nairobi Commuter Rail, starting with improvements to the 58km stretch between Nairobi Central Railway Station and Thika. The project will also include acquiring new locomotives, enhancing non-motorized transport infrastructure, and upgrading feeder roads along the Nairobi Commuter Rail network.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved several key policies and bills:

• Kenya Secondary Education Equity and Quality Improvement Programme
• Kenya-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
• Co-Hosting of the Second Edition of the African Continental Free Trade Area Youth Symposium on September 5-7, 2024
• Public Finance Management (Amendment) Bill 2024
• Ratification of Bilateral Air Services Agreements with various countries, including Somalia, Morocco, Algeria, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Guinea, the United Kingdom, and South Korea.

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