President Ruto delivered a stern message to opposition leader Raila Odinga, warning against further protests and emphasizing that using extrajudicial and extra-constitutional means to seek power is unacceptable. Speaking during a roadside rally in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Ruto accused the opposition of disrupting economic activities and attempting to blackmail the government.
The President firmly stated that there would be no protests in Kenya moving forward, particularly targeting the planned demonstrations slated for Wednesday, July 19. He challenged the opposition's chosen path, urging Raila Odinga to wait for the next elections in 2027.
"I want to say that there will be no protests in Kenya again. The one they are planning for on Wednesday will not happen," Ruto declared, adding that if the opposition continued down their current path, he would take action.
Ruto's strong remarks came in response to the Azimio la Umoja coalition's announcement of intensifying their anti-government protests to three times a week. The coalition party released a statement on July 14, confirming that the demonstrations scheduled for the following Wednesday would proceed, along with two additional dates.
"Going forward, the peaceful protests will now be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next week, in line with requests from the public to include three days of activity," the statement read.
The recent anti-government protests, triggered by rising taxes and the high cost of living, have witnessed clashes between demonstrators and a heavy police presence. Tragically, at least six people have lost their lives, and numerous others have been injured.
Despite a ban on demonstrations issued by Police Inspector General Japhet Koome, protesters have continued to gather in certain towns throughout the country, illustrating the growing frustration among Kenyans.
These protests serve as a reflection of the mounting discontent over the high cost of living and concerns regarding the government's management of the economy. As tensions persist, the nation eagerly awaits further developments and potential resolutions to address the pressing issues at hand.