https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230721/kenyas-ruto-slams-protesting-opposition-for-sabotaging-economy-1060671524.html
Kenya's Ruto Slams Protesting Opposition for 'Sabotaging Economy'
Kenya's Ruto Slams Protesting Opposition for 'Sabotaging Economy'
Sputnik Africa
In June, Kenya's Parliament passed a bill proposing new or increased taxes on essential goods, including fuel, select food items, and mobile money transfers... 21.07.2023, Sputnik Africa
2023-07-21T14:38+0200
2023-07-21T14:38+0200
2023-07-21T14:38+0200
sub-saharan africa
raila odinga
william ruto
kenya
east africa
protests
president
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In response to the widespread protests over the high cost of living, Kenya's President William Ruto slammed the opposition leader and former prime minister Raila Odinga, calling the demonstrations harmful to the economy, which the president's administration is making a concerted effort to swing back.Ruto reassured the opposition leader that the government is committed to safeguarding Kenyans' lives and property. Moreover, the president issued a warning against the protests, saying anyone who cause mayhem and property damage will be subject to the full force of the law.He ruled out the notion of a power-sharing agreement with the head of the opposition and stated that he was only open to discussions about how to solve the severe hunger and high young unemployment. The country's vice president Rigathi Gachagua requested that Odinga give the president some time to keep his commitments. Both Ruto and Gachagua praised police for coping with offenders "professionally" and decisively. Regarding requests for a dialogue made by the international community and religious leaders, such as Catholic bishops, Gachagua stated that Ruto would not meet with "criminals" whose demonstrations had cost lives and destroyed the economy.Aaron Cheruiyot, the majority leader in the Senate, and Kathuri Murungi, the Senate's deputy speaker, along with the lawmakers Mumina Bonaya, Ndindi Nyoro, John Mutunga, and Fatuma Dullo, urged President Ruto not to shake hands with Odinga. In order to assist in the value addition of livestock and agriculture goods, the president noted that the country and a national government had set up Sh500 million ($3,524 million) to build an aggregation and industrial park at Isiolo Prison's vacant farm in Isiolo town. In addition, the head of state said that Isiolo County and Referral Hospital will soon be elevated to Level Five status and furnished with cutting-edge technology, relieving locals of the burden of making lengthier trips for specialized care.Previously, during his recent speech in Naivasha, Nakuru County, William Ruto delivered a firm message to the opposition, indicating that protests would no longer be permitted in the East African nation.This announcement came on the heels of recent clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers, which at that point resulted in the loss of 10 lives, as well as to many injured, as reported by various sources. The protests continued this week, reportedly resulting in more victims.
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20230720/at-least-8-people-injured-300-detained-during-protests-in-kenya-reports-say-1060651712.html
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raila odinga, william ruto, kenya, east africa, protests, president
raila odinga, william ruto, kenya, east africa, protests, president
Kenya's Ruto Slams Protesting Opposition for 'Sabotaging Economy'
In June, Kenya's Parliament passed a bill proposing new or increased taxes on essential goods, including fuel, select food items, and mobile money transfers. The bill was opposed by 88 MPs, predominantly from the opposition Azimio Party. After the law came into force, the opposition leader Raila Odinga launched protests.
In response to the widespread protests over the high cost of living, Kenya's President William Ruto slammed the opposition leader and former prime minister
Raila Odinga, calling the demonstrations harmful to the economy, which the president's administration is making a concerted effort to swing back.
"We will not allow you to sabotage our economy using violence. Kenya is our only home and we must protect her by all means," Ruto stated during the official opening of the LMD cabro paved road in the town of Isiolo.
Ruto reassured the opposition leader that the government is committed to safeguarding Kenyans' lives and property.
Moreover, the president issued a warning against the protests, saying anyone who cause mayhem and property damage will be subject to the full force of the law.
He ruled out the notion of a power-sharing agreement with the head of the opposition and stated that he was only open to discussions about how to solve the severe hunger and high young unemployment.
"How will the protests and putting sufuria on your heads help bring down the cost of living?", he asked.
The country's vice president Rigathi Gachagua requested that Odinga give the president some time to keep his commitments.
"He (Odinga) is used to fighting his way into leadership through political blackmail and President Ruto will bring this to an end. There is no short-cut to getting to government but at the ballot," Gachagua remarked.
Both Ruto and Gachagua praised police for coping with offenders "professionally" and decisively.
Regarding requests for a dialogue made by the international community and religious leaders, such as Catholic bishops, Gachagua stated that Ruto would not meet with "criminals" whose demonstrations had cost lives and destroyed the economy.
Aaron Cheruiyot, the majority leader in the Senate, and Kathuri Murungi, the Senate's deputy speaker, along with the lawmakers Mumina Bonaya, Ndindi Nyoro, John Mutunga, and Fatuma Dullo, urged President Ruto not to shake hands with Odinga.
"Be firm in protecting lives of Kenyans and properties," Nyoro stated.
In order to assist in the value addition of livestock and agriculture goods, the president noted that the country and a national government had set up Sh500 million ($3,524 million) to build an aggregation and industrial park at Isiolo Prison's vacant farm in Isiolo town.
"We will also establish a special economic zone which will leverage on the Isiolo International Airport to export meat, hide and skins from the export abattoir," he stated.
In addition, the head of state said that Isiolo County and Referral Hospital will soon be elevated to Level Five status and furnished with cutting-edge technology, relieving locals of the burden of making lengthier trips for specialized care.
Previously, during his recent speech in Naivasha, Nakuru County, William Ruto
delivered a firm message to the opposition, indicating that protests would no longer be permitted in the East African nation.
This announcement came on the heels of recent clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers, which at that point resulted in the loss of 10 lives, as well as to many injured, as reported by various sources. The protests continued this week, reportedly resulting in more victims.
