Activists, protest victims condemn Ruto's speech

Kenyans and human rights organisations match along the streets of Nairobi to protest against the rising femicide cases in the country. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Against an overwhelming security and human rights scrutiny, President William Ruto delivered a State of the Nation address in what looked like a strained attempt to balance the scales-acknowledging citizen grievances while defending his administration's track record.

Kenya's state security apparatus has found itself under intense international scrutiny amid a worrying surge in alleged state-sanctioned abductions, shrinking democratic freedoms, and human rights violations.