Ruto to Raila: No violence during maandamano
President William Ruto says he is not worried over the ongoing nationwide protests led by Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking on March 15, 2023, at State House, the Head of State stated that he will ensure no lives are lost nor is property destroyed during the said demonstrations.
The President noted the country is governed by the rule of law and no one was above the law.
“The government will not allow loss of life, destruction of property, and looting. We will not allow a few individuals who have refused to accept election results to cause chaos among peace-loving people,” said President Ruto.
The President’s comments come a day after Mr Odinga declared March 20, 2023, as a public holiday as he bids to allow his supporters an opportunity to converge in Nairobi for a mega mass action.
But as an opposition-aligned politician, Mr Odinga is not allowed by law to declare a national holiday in the country.
The President spoke after meeting leaders from Trans Nzoia County.
The Head of State urged Opposition leader Raila Odinga to liaise with police over the planned demonstration and warned him against blackmailing his government.
“Odinga has been holding bloody and chaotic demonstrations for the last 50 years; he needs to assure Kenyans that this will be different,”
“This is why we’ve told Raila Odinga to sit down with police and explain to them how the demonstrations will be peaceful,” said President Ruto.
President Ruto told the opposition leader that the country would not submit to his threats and blackmail.
“I want to tell my elder brother Raila Odinga that we can’t have two sets of laws,” said Dr Ruto.
His deputy, Rigathi Gachagua commended the leaders for working together with the ruling government.
Also present were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakumicha, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya among others.
Also read: Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya warns Raila over maandamano