Ruto Talks Tough To Raila Over Monday & Thursday Protests

President William Ruto on Wednesday, March 22 warned of consequences to Azimio leader Raila Odinga, who declared that protests would be held every Monday and Thursday.

Speaking during the listing of Laptrust Imara (REIT) at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), the Head of State affirmed that his administration would not let anyone disrupt the country's economy for selfish gain.

He cautioned Raila that his government would not hesitate to deal with the actions that would lead to impunity and hold his coalition fully accountable for the sake of Kenya's economy.

"There is no reason whatsoever for anyone to stand in the way of free enterprise, disrupt businesses or sabotage economic activity or work as economic terrorists for personal selfish interests. Such impunity must be dealt with firmly and full accountability enforced to vindicate Kenya's commitment as a free market economy," he noted. 

President William Ruto speaking during the listing of Laptrust Imara (REIT) at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) on March 22, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO

The President trolled the former Prime Minister over his call for increased protests, expressing optimism that Mondays and Thursdays would turn out to be the best trading days in the country's history.

He reiterated that the government will ensure that the rights of every Kenyan are upheld in maintaining the rule of law and that it would crack down on lawbreakers who would bring about lawlessness.

"I'm looking forward to days in every near future when every Monday and every Thursday to be the days that were traded the highest in the National Security Exchange (NSE)," Ruto wittily stated. 

"Through the rule of law, the government will take robust measures to ensure the rights of all and demonstrate that no one is above the law by decisively combating impunity and lawlessness and disorder. We have a duty to ensure that every worker and hustler from the Mama Mboga, MSME to the global multinational corporation operating in Kenya enjoy a conducive environment to pursue their goals unhindered," he added. 

Raila on Tuesday, March 21 noted that public demand influenced the coalition to add Thursday to its weekly protest schedule, a day after he announced that protests would be held every Monday.

"In the second phase of our protests, in response to public demand, we shall now hold protests every Monday and Thursday beginning next week," he stated.

Raila turned his criticism towards President William Ruto for showing a dictatorship style of leadership during the six months he has been in power.

"Ruto’s greatest aspiration is to return Kenya to the old dictatorship where he is the unquestioned tyrant controlling everyone’s life. We have come to the conclusion that our police shall never change unless we make them change," he noted. 

"We reiterate to our supporters and all patriotic Kenyans that this struggle is just starting. We are not looking and we will not be intimidated. No retreat, no surrender."

He further castigated the force shown by police officers on the Monday, March 20, protests whereby the Azimio principals and his supporters were stopped from marching to State House.

Raila singled out Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei over the orders issued to police officers against his supporters during the protests.

"We are going for individual responsibility and culpability against officers who acted against the Constitution. So far, we have a case to file individual charges against Mr Adamson Bungei. We will press these charges locally and internationally," he pointed out.

Raila Odinga addressing the media on March 21, 2023. /TWITTER.FLORA LIMUKII