President William Ruto has asked Kenyans to shun violence at all times even where differences in opinions exist.
Speaking on Friday during the launch of the Public Service Commission Principles Compliance report at KICC, Nairobi, the President said there is a need to accommodate one another.
He said having differences on issues paints a good picture of our democracy and should therefore not be used to cause chaos.
“Having divergent ideas and opinions is part of what we celebrate as our democracy but the constitution did not envisage that different opinions would result in chaos, loss of property, or loss of lives," he said.
Ruto went on to ask Kenyans to embrace democracy without infringing the rights of others as outlined in the constitution.
He condemned the destruction of properties as a result of chaotic incidences born out of differences in opinion.
“We must all of us be able to celebrate all the rights provided in the constitution in a manner that respects the rights of others and also in a manner that does not destroy property all in a manner that does not make our children go to school. We are mature enough to be able to do that,” said Ruto.
Comments by Ruto come after chaos, looting and destruction of property marked opposition protests on Thursday as businesses were paralysed in many parts of Nairobi.
In Nairobi's Eastlands, the mass action degenerated into deadly combat with rowdy youths at one point overrunning the police and blocking Outering Road, a major highway connecting the central business district and its outskirts.
Trouble started after the police fired teargas to block the Azimio convoy from joining the main thoroughfare that connects Mombasa Road and Thika Road.
Raila sought to use the route after engaging with residents of Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums in his rallying call against the President William Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza administration.
As the brigade approached the highway with their hordes of supporters in tow, police struck with teargas and volleys of water cannons, forcing the convoy to make a U-turn.
The vehicles carrying the opposition leaders used the right side of the highway towards the Airport North road before meeting a traffic snarl.
Following the blockade, the vehicles detoured and proceeded to the Southern Bypass after which the leaders retreated to Karen.
The former Prime Minister, back in Karen, said the attack by police was unjustifiable.
“No justification exists for the brutality that we and the residents of Pipeline have endured this afternoon,” Raila said in a tweet. “Ruto and [Deputy President Rigathi] Gachagua, your days are numbered and count them well.”
Part of the crowd, which was with the Azimio leader, remained behind in a fierce battle with the police, lighting bonfires and chanting anti-Ruto slogans.
The lot blocked the highway at Fedha footbridge, rendering the area impassable for vehicular traffic heading in either direction.
