The Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport and Public Works Kipchumba Murkomen has urged Opposition leader Raila Odinga to change his mind about the three-day demonstrations this week.
On Sunday, the CS said the move will demonstrate that the Azimio coalition leader is after peace and not destruction.
“From this Church, I want to tell Raila Odinga that it is not too late to change and embrace peace. You can still change your mind and believe in a united country. It is very unusual for an 80-year-old to roam the streets of Nairobi in the name of Maandamo,” Murkomen said.
He further told Raila that the government will hold the opposition leader accountable for the protests which have turned out violent in several areas.
Raila said the anti-government demonstrations will go on for three days this week.
He said the demos will be held whether the government issues a permit or not.
In a statement, Azimio la Umoja said due to requests from all sectors, the peaceful protests will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
"We will have countrywide protests next week on Wednesday whether the government likes it or not," he said.
Going further, the CS called on former President Uhuru Kenyatta to cease supporting Raila on the demos.
“If Raila was left to alone, he would have chosen a different path. I want to urge the former president Uhuru Kenyatta, just like Pharaoh let the Israelites go, I think I want to tell Uhuru Kenyatta because I know him, let Raila go, leave him alone,” Murkomen said.
The CS noted that Uhuru should let Raila go and let him make personal decisions and we will deal with him as an individual let alone the strength that you give to him.
“The strength you give him, the incitement you compound on him, the wrongful use of your resources to cause havoc and intimidation to the people of Kenya."
In addition, the former Elgeyo Marakwet Senator urged the former President to allow the Kenya Kwanza government to deliver on its manifesto instead of what he described as sabotaging the activities of the government.
Murkomen said the destruction of property will not change the economic condition of the country.
The CS was speakimg while attending a church service at AIPCA Bahati Cathedral in Nairobi.
