I Have No Problem With Raila's Protests- Ruto Issues Condition
Raila travelled to Poland where he met global leaders during a conference organised by opposition politicians
Marvin Chege 
President William Ruto on Friday, June 23 declared his latest stance on the Azimio la Umoja coalition protests against his government amidst their looming return following the passing of the controversial Finance Bill 2023 by Parliament.
In an ongoing interview with France24 during his trip to France, the Head of State revealed that he had no issue with Azimio holding mass protests against the Kenya Kwanza government, citing similar protests that have been held in Paris in recent days and weeks.
However, he revealed that he appealed to the Raila Odinga-led coalition not to allow the destruction of property and violence as has been the case in past mass protests.
President William Ruto during an interview with France24 on June 23, 2023. /TWITTER.DENNIS ITUMBI
“I have no problem with Raila Odinga. I have no problem with him organising protests. There're protests here in Paris.
“I have just asked Raila and company not to engage in violence and destruction of property. That's all. We are a democracy,” he stated.
Raila travelled to Poland where he met global leaders during a conference organised by opposition politicians, with Ugandan musician and opposition leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine sharing a photo of him posing with the former Prime Minister on Thursday, June 22.
Raila was in the company of his daughter, Winnie Odinga, and they were keynote speakers at the conference themed 'Rolling Back Authoritarianism'.
His last public appearance was in the aftermath of the Toi Market fire in Kibra whereby he met traders.
He was also absent from the Azimio presser on Thursday, June 22, and when asked about his whereabouts, NARC Kenya party leader, Martha Karua, indicated that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) boss was abroad for a personal trip, despite promising that he would return for the rally.
The opposition coalition announced at the presser that it will hold a public engagement forum on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Kamkunji Grounds in Nairobi to discuss the Finance Bill 2023 and the national budget, hours after the Finance Bill was passed in the National Assembly.
"We saw what happens when a rogue and uncaring Head of the Executive decides that the only thing that matters is his ego, fantasies, corruption, and cronies' agenda.
"We also learnt the hard way that this illegitimate regime can ignore the people, their feelings, fears, circumstances, hopes and aspirations and force its agenda on them. That is what Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza followers did with the passage of the Finance Bill, 2023. Ignoring the wishes of a majority of Kenyans signals the era of dictatorship. Kenyans beware," Karua stated.
Azimio la Umoja stated that members of the public will be allowed to ask questions and share their views on the controversial Finance Bill in a forum which is part of its efforts to engage the public on key economic issues as it ponders on whether to seek legal action or return to nationwide mass protests.
Azimio la Umoja leadership alongside Martha Karua during a presser on June 22, 2023. /FILE
