Don't fear Raila demos, Ruto urges Kenyans

Says government will not allow loss of life, destruction of property and looting

In Summary
  • Ruto said Kenya is a country 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," he said.
President William Ruto hosting leaders from Trans Nzoia county State House on March 15, 2023
President William Ruto hosting leaders from Trans Nzoia county State House on March 15, 2023
Image: PCS

President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that they have nothing to worry about over the opposition's planned demonstrations next week, March 20. 

Ruto said Kenya is a country governed by the rule of law and no one is above the law.

"The government will not allow loss of life, destruction of property and looting," he said.

"We will not allow a few individuals who have refused to accept election results to cause chaos among peace-loving people."

He spoke on Wednesday when he met leaders from Trans Nzoia county at the State House.

The President said Kenyans have the right to protest but must do so peacefully and within the law.

He urged the chief opposition leader Raila Odinga to liaise with police over the demonstrations, to ensure peace. 

"Raila has been holding bloody and chaotic demonstrations for the last 50 years; he needs to assure Kenyans that this will be different," he said.

"This is why we've told him to sit down with police and explain to them how the demonstrations will be peaceful."

He further warned the opposition that the country will not submit to threats and blackmail.

"I want to tell my elder brother Raila Odinga that we can't have two sets of laws."

Present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Health CS Susan Nakumicha and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

Others were MPs Lilian Siyoi (Women Rep), Patrick Barasa (Cherangani), Allan Chesang (Trans Nzoia), Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza) and former MPs Joash Wamangoli and Noah Wekesa among others.

Gachagua commended the visiting leaders for their resolve to work with the government for the sake of development.

"I am happy that you are not part of those planning demonstrations," he said.

Mudavadi told off Raila for giving fictitious declarations that have no legal basis.

"We are in a country that is anchored by the rule of law. It's wrong for anyone to declare a public holiday in disregard to the rule of law," he said.

Wetangula said belligerent politics was totally unhelpful in developing countries, saying plans by the opposition leaders to hold demonstrations were uncalled for.

"Destructive violent activism is absolutely unhelpful. The legitimacy of President Ruto is unquestionable," he affirmed.

Natembeya, who made it clear that there is no room for demonstrations in his area, said he would work with the government for the sake of development.

"My people have no time for demonstrations. Elections are over and it's time to support the government in power to deliver the promises we made to the electorate," he said. 

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya with President William Ruto a State House, Nairobi on March 15, 2023
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya with President William Ruto a State House, Nairobi on March 15, 2023
Image: PCS
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