Ruto Stands Firm Despite Raila Declaring Protests Every Monday

President William Ruto has affirmed that he will not condone impunity in Kenya, even though Azimio leader Raila Odinga announced that his coalition will be holding protests across the country every Monday of the week.

The Head of State, in a statement by State House on Monday, March 20, said Kenya will be governed by the rule of law and everyone must operate within the Constitution. 

"We acknowledge the supremacy of the Constitution and submit to the letter of the law. Nothing extra-legal will be part of what we do as a nation.

"As we enjoy our rights as individuals, we must be careful to ensure that we do not trample on the rights of others," he stated.

Raila Odinga's convoy near Thika Road on March 20, 2023. /CITIZEN TV

President Ruto was speaking at State House, Nairobi, where he witnessed the swearing-in of Solicitor General Shadrack Mose.

He expressed confidence that Mose will offer leadership based on his experience, knowledge and understanding of the law and asked him to champion an appropriate legal framework that will enhance Kenya’s Global Competitiveness.  

“Provide leadership and ensure that the Government gets the right legal guidance to discharge its mandate,” he explained. 

“It is our commitment to ensure that we attract as much foreign direct investment as possible. We want to borrow less and do more for the country.”

The President noted that once Kenya wins the trust of international investors, it will wean itself of unnecessary borrowing.  

He told Mose to ensure that the Government gets the best legal representation at all stages.

“Any award against the Government is an award against Kenyans. We want to settle awards that have merits.”

Speaking to the media on Monday, March 20, in Eastleigh, Raila maintained that he would not be shaken even as President Ruto resorts to the use of force.

“We stated that today was a public holiday to allow us to protest. We have started a war. Every Monday, we will be protesting, are we in agreement?

“A war has started and it will not end until Kenyans get what they rightfully deserve,” Raila declared.

Further, Raila stated that he would report President Ruto to the Internation Criminal Court (ICC) for the unconstitutional arrest of protestors and other leaders, who included the National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo

“We are protesting so that the cost of living can go down but Ruto has decided to arrest our people and beat them. We will report him to the ICC,” Raila added.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka further demanded that the leaders who were arrested against the law and taken to Kiambu Road should be released immediately. Other leaders present included Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Raila’s daughter Winnie Odinga and DAPK party leader Eugene Wamalwa.

At Serena Hotel, the opposition leader's motorcade was sprayed with water from the GSU water canon. Additionally, the Police officers lobbed teargas at the protestors and Raila Oding’as convoy forcing them to exit the State House road and head towards Kamukunji where he urged his supporters to carry on with the protests.

Raila has spent the better part of the day circumnavigating informal settlements around the fringes of the capital city's Central Business District (CBD) mobilising supporters as police blocked several roads to stop the protesters from accessing the State House.