Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi has asked President William Ruto not to barge on his resolve not to allow Wednesday protests by the Azimio la Umoja coalition to go on.
The opposition outfit led by Raila Odinga has called for the protests to mount pressure on the Kenya Kwanza regime to lower the cost of living, withdraw 'punitive' taxes outlined in the Finance Act and stop interference with the independence of opposition parties and their MPs by the government.
Ruto on Tuesday issued a stern warning to the opposition chiefs ahead of the planned protests saying he will not allow further loss of lives as witnessed on Friday during Saba Saba protests. Six people died.
"Walifanya maandamano Ijumaa, na waKenya sita wakapoteza maisha yao. Mnataka maandamano ingine ifanyike, maisha mengine ya potezwe? It will not happen," Ruto said.
The President was speaking in Ruai after issuing title deeds to shareholders of the Embakasi Ranching Company.
Ngunyi told him to remain steadfast in that resolve.
"On the flip side. Dear Ruto, never question the dark decisions you made in the light. This is how states are made. Do not turn to the right or to the left. Kaa Ngumu on #Maandamanowednesday."
But in a subsequent tweet, the political pundit advised Ruto to tread with caution in his response to acts of defiance to a section of Kenyans who feel disenfranchised by his leadership.
In the words of Canadian journalist, author and public speaker Malcolm Gladwell, Ngunyi reminded the President that Kenyans are mad at something and he is the target of their aggression.
"Dear Ruto, kaa ngumu, but remember, politics is about the power of context. And a powerful context leads to a tipping point," he said.
"Kenyans from all four corners of our republic are angry about something. And you are their object of aggression."
While reiterating his calls for Kenyans to turn up in numbers on Wednesday for the anti-government protests, Raila said the people have decided, rightly, to gang up against a government which has decided to make deliberate policy decisions to make life unbearable for them.
"As the people demonstrated last week, Kamkunji will be everywhere and anywhere across the country where Kenyans gather in the name of justice and well-being," Raila said on Tuesday at the SKM command centre in Karen, Nairobi.
He spoke at a press conference after launching a digital platform dubbed Tumechoka Citizen Initiative to upscale the collection of 15 million signatures in a bid to 'remove' Ruto from power.
"Once again, we appeal to Kenyans to come out in even bigger numbers and make their voices heard. With time, Ruto will respect Kenyans," Raila said.
But in a sudden turn of events, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome issued a statement banning the Wednesday demos.
He cited the need to preserve lives after six people died during the Saba Saba march on Friday and the failure on the Azimio side to notify police of their intention to demonstrate.
"In this regard, no such demonstrations/gatherings, or protests will be allowed tomorrow (Wednesday) since no such notification has been presented to any police station. All lawful means will be used to disperse such demonstrations," Koome said.
