President William Ruto has warned opposition party leader Raila Odinga to refrain from planning illegal demonstrations that could risk people's lives and property or cripple the country's economy.
In reaction to recent threats by Odinga and other opposition politicians to organize statewide rallies next week, the President declared that nobody in Kenya is above the law.
The President of State warned that he would not put up with any attempts by Odinga to "blackmail" the country and asked Odinga to talk to the police about the impending protests.
"Raila Odinga, a close friend of mine, has to be informed in no way. There is already plenty. You cannot continue to extort the country. We are okay with organizing demonstrations. To protect the lives, property, and livelihoods of the rest of Kenya's citizens, we kindly request that you work with the police. They can start working as you carry on with your demonstrations.
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On Wednesday, the President met with representatives from Trans Nzoia County while giving a speech at the State House in Nairobi. He continued that Kenyans have the right to protest but must do it lawfully and peacefully.
Odinga wants to convince Kenyans that this rally won't be as violent and unruly as the previous ones. We have thus asked Raila Odinga to meet with the police and discuss how the protests would be managed, according to President Ruto.
"tunamwambia bwana Raila atupatie kaheshima kidogo," Raila, ata sisi ni wakenya sio wewe peke yako ni mkenya." Ruto said.
Moses Wetangula, Musalia Mudavadi, Susan Nakumicha, the cabinet secretary, and George Natembeya, the governor of Trans Nzoia, were also present.
Others included former lawmakers Joash Wamangoli and Noah Wekesa, as well as representatives Lilian Siyoi (Women Rep), Patrick Barasa (Cherangani), Allan Chesang (Trans Nzoia), Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza), and others.
President Ruto warned the opposition that the nation would not accept his threats and extortion.
Dr Ruto responded to his older brother Raila Odinga, "We cannot have two sets of laws.
Mr Gachagua commended the leaders for their commitment to working with the administration to advance the country.
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I'm relieved that you aren't taking part in such planning demonstrations. Why didn't Raila Odinga raise a fuss when unga was only Sh 250 and fertilizer was Sh 7,000? Gachagua made a query.
Mr Mudavadi chastised Mr Odinga for making false claims without any accompanying evidence.
The rule of law is essential in the country in which we live. Mr Mudavadi asserts that it is improper to declare a public holiday in defiance of the law.
Mr Wetangula asserted that rallies planned by the opposition leaders were inappropriate and those confrontational politics were utterly ineffective in developing countries.
Violence and destructive activism do not help. Mr Wetangula asserted that President Ruto's legitimacy could not be contested.
