President William Ruto has vowed not to allow any attempts whatsoever by Opposition leader Raila Odinga to blackmail the country.
Speaking on Tuesday at State House, the head of State said he had no problem with the protests but urged Raila to engage the police over the March 20 mega demos.
"We must tell my good friend Raila Odinga. Enough is enough. You cannot continue to blackmail the country. We have no problem with you organising demonstrations but please it is your responsibility to work with the police to make sure there is peace," Ruto said.
He insisted that the lives of other Kenyans not participating in the protests should not be disrupted or have their property destroyed and businesses affected.
Ruto said they should be able to go to work as Azimio carry on with its demonstrations
"Tunamwambia bwana Raila please, tupatie kaheshima kidogo. Hata sisi ni wakenya. Wewe sio Mkenya peke yako," Ruto said.
(We are urging Raila to give us a little respect. We are also Kenyans, you are not the only Kenyan)
The President said Raila needed to assure Kenyans that his mega rally will not be chaotic as they have been for the past 50 years.
"Kenyans have the right to protest but must do so peacefully and within the law. Odinga has been holding bloody and chaotic demonstrations for the last 50 years; he needs to assure Kenyans that this will be different, " Ruto said.
"This is why we’ve told Raila Odinga to sit down with police and explain to them how the demonstrations will be peaceful.”
Speaking in Siaya on Tuesday, Azimio leader Raila Odinga declared March 20 a 'public holiday'.
Raila said the declaration was aimed at providing a chance for Azimio supporters to travel to participate in the mass action against what he termed as an illegitimate government.