President Ruto Pleads with Raila to Call Off New Round of Protests

President Ruto has pleaded with Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga to call off the planned protests, saying they will further hurt the country’s economy.

The president urged opposition leaders to instead engage the government in constructive dialogue in addressing their grievances.

“I want to ask those in opposition to work with the government for the sake of Kenyans. There is a need for constructive engagements to avoid unnecessary destruction of property because of demonstrations,” Ruto said.

“Leaders should not trample on the interests of millions of Kenyans while seeking their own interests.”

Terming last year’s general election a closed chapter, Ruto stated that he will not allow the opposition to cause violence and destroy people’s properties and businesses in pursuit of selfish political interests.

Speaking on Friday when he commissioned the Grain Bulk facilities at Embakasi, Nairobi, the president noted that the country was heading in the right direction, asking opposition leaders to give him time to turn around the economy.

“We will reduce taxes on property to encourage more Kenyans to be homeowners as well as taxes on gas for the green energy opportunity,” he said.

He urged private investors to pursue opportunities in Kenya’s transport, logistics, and associated sectors.

Azimio coalition announced it would resume its weekly protests on May 2nd, three weeks after they were suspended following President Ruto’s offer for a dialogue on the issues they have raised.

The opposition party accused the Kenya Kwanza government of failure to commit to holding constructive bipartisan talks.