Raila’s demos are nothing but a ploy to ruin property, Ruto says
President William Ruto has accused his main rival, Raila Odinga, of planning to cause chaos and destruction through protests.
Speaking at a church service in Ruto, Odinga has no legitimate reason to call for protests, and that the demonstrations are simply a way for him to advance his political agenda. The President said that Odinga’s philosophy is one that seeks to destroy people’s property and terrorize them into submission.
“Raila Odinga has no reason at all to call for protests. The protests are meant to destroy people’s property. That’s his philosophy, that’s how he plays his politics. We will not accept that,” he said.
The President also criticized Odinga’s lack of faith in Kenya’s institutions, saying that the opposition leader does not believe in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) or the Supreme Court. Instead, Odinga has put his trust in a “whistleblower” who he claims has inside information about the election.
President Ruto also accused Odinga of being responsible for the high cost of living in Kenya following his handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
President Ruto stressed that he is prepared to engage with any leader in a constitutional and lawful manner to discuss the future of the nation notwithstanding his criticisms of Odinga. He declared that he was unwilling to participate in anarchy or to be subjected to threats of ultimatums.
“I am ready to engage with any leader if we are discussing the future of our country, the destiny of our nation in a constitutional, legal manner. But we are not going to engage in anarchy, we are not going to be threatened with ultimatums,” he said.
The head of state added that security will be provided by the police, who will also deal with anyone attempting to cause trouble.
Raila has called for protests on allegations that his election victory in August 2022 was stolen as well as the high cost of living which he claims was brought on by widespread theft of public resources, the removal of subsidies for food and fuel, among other concerns.