Ruto, Kindiki Issue Orders Ahead Of Raila's March To State House

President William Ruto on Sunday, March 19 ordered the National Police Service (NPS) to carry out their mandate in line with the Constitution of Kenya ahead of the planned mass action on Monday, March 20 organised by Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga.

Speaking during a church service at Kapsabet Showground, Nandi County, Ruto assured Kenyans that the police would protect the rights of all citizens, whether they join the protests or continue with their day-to-day activities.

He however warned those who will participate in the demonstrations not to interfere with the fundamental rights of other citizens or else they will be met with the full force of the law.

"I instruct the police to do their work according to the constitution. They are professional people and they are going to ensure the rights of everybody are protected. The rights of those who want to protest and the rights of those who want to go about their businesses. 

President William Ruto speaking to the faithful in Nandi County for a church service in Nandi on Sunday, March 19, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO

"I have confidence in our police men and women because I have told them that I don't need them to help me with politics but they need to concentrate on their mandate to protect the rights of every citizen," Ruto noted.

The President further slammed Raila for organising mass protests in a bid to force the government to surrender to their demands.

"I've tried to listen to him, he is telling us he doesn't believe in IEBC, Supreme Court, he believes a whistleblower. He doesn't want the law, he wants to decide himself against the constitution, which is anarchy. 

"Sadly he is telling about the cost of living. Owing to his actions are why we're here. We will not allow it. You have terrorised the people of Nyanza into slavery, you now want in the extent to terrorise people using anarchy. it will not happen," he noted.

Nonetheless, he expressed that he was ready to work with all leaders who did not issue ultimatums to the government. 

"I am ready to engage with any leader if we're discussing the future of our country, the destiny of our nation, but we are not going to engage in anarchy, you are not going to engage in violence," he pointed out.

The President however gave conditions to the former Prime Minister before he could hold talks with him, especially the billions that disappeared during the handshake tenure.

"First and foremost, the Controller of Budget wants to know where the Ksh15 billion went. Secondly, where did the funds for the Ksh100 subsidised unga go?" Ruto posed.

Meanwhile, Interior Security Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, in echoing Ruto's sentiments, warned those who will break the law on Monday that they will be prosecuted.

"The Government reiterates its commitment to respect, protect and promote all fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution. In so doing, security agencies shall respect Article 37 of the Constitution which guarantees the right of every person, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and to present petitions to public authorities," the CS directed in relation to the planned protests in a statement to newsrooms.

The CS also warned protesters against breaching restricted premises such as State House and State House Lodges among other protected areas that will be off limits on that day.

Kindiki further warned that Azimio, despite having the right to demonstrate, should do so within the law.

"It is notified for information of the general public that pursuant to the Protected Areas Act (CAP 204 of the Laws of Kenya), security agencies shall prevent unauthorized access to all protected areas. The same Constitution that gives freedom for assembly limits enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms to ensure the protection of the rights and freedoms of others and to promote broader societal interests including public order, safety and morality," the CS warned.

Kindiki warned that during the planned rallies, no one may engage in threats, lawlessness, violence, destruction of property or obstruction of activities of other people or in any other way infringe on the rights or freedoms of others and that the duty to ensure the law was followed during the demos was solely the responsibility of the organizers.

Both Kindiki and Ruto's warnings come after Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei declared the Azimio Monday protests illegal, revealing that he had Azimio and the Nairobi business community had sent in their request on Saturday, March 18, in the evening and Sunday, March 19, morning.

However, the Azimio coalition, he added, should have notified the authorities three days before the protest as dictated by the constitution.

Nairobi Police boss Adamson Bungei speaking to the media on Sunday, March 19, 2023. /TWITTER