President Ruto on Saturday rallied Kenya Kwanza MPs to counter Odinga’s protests supposed to be held weekly. He demanded that they organise counter-meetings in their constituencies to keep citizens from engaging in the protests.
He argued that the protests were no longer about the high cost of living, but a political strategy. he is said to have asked his MPs to take political steps in responding to the protests.
A meeting held in the state house with over 200 elected leaders was held to handle the issue of protests. The president is said to have taken issue with the ‘laid back response’ to the demonstrations being held now for three days a week.
Lawmakers in the meeting allegedly asked to know what the National Intelligence Service (NIS) head and the Inspector General of police were doing about the protests. The MPs claim that the two organizations have been overpowered more than once by the protesters.
Action by Kenya Kwanza MPs towards demonstrations
Without mentioning the meeting, The National AssemblyMajority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah and Senate’s Aaron Cheruiyot released a statement on Sunday evening. They castigated Raila for the demonstrations saying.” The demonstrations are aimed at creating anarchy and pushing for his space in government.”
“The government is addressing the cost of living but these demonstrations are not about that. They are about Odinga’s bitterness at losing an election for the fifth time. “
Mr Ichung’wah and Mr Cheruiyot called for the arrest and prosecution of those linked or found to have played a role in the destruction of property during protests on Wednesday.
“There will be no handshake. I know how costly the March 9, 2018 handshake was to Kenya. the people of Kenya made a decision on August 9, sending us to government and our competitors to the opposition,” Ruto reportedly said.
Subscribe to Switch TV
After the meeting, the team resolved to allow the government to use any means necessary to handle the demonstrations and protect lives and property.
“We have committed to supporting the government in doing whatever it must do to protect lives and property but a handshake is out of the question,” Ms Gitau said.
In addition to this, the team agreed to popularise Ruto and spearhead the government agenda. They agreed to hold meetings from the grassroots level and counter the propaganda allegedly being spread by Raila.
Read Also: Kindiki Warns Azimio Over Violent Wednesday Demonstrations
