Azimio demos won't happen next week, Ruto tells Raila

On Friday, the Raila-led outfit announced upscaled three-day protests next week.

In Summary
  • President Ruto was reacting to an announcement by Azimio that their protests will now happen for three days non-stop, beginning next week.
  • On Wednesday, Azimio protests recorded at least 9 deaths across the country. However, the number is believed to be more.
President William Ruto addressing the residents of Ciampiu in Mwingi North, Kitui County when he issued title deeds on July 13,2023.
President William Ruto addressing the residents of Ciampiu in Mwingi North, Kitui County when he issued title deeds on July 13,2023.
Image: PCS

President William Ruto has vowed not to let Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga use the blood of Kenyans to seek power.

Speaking in Naivasha on Friday, Ruto said he will use all means to stop the Opposition leader.

"Raila Odinga, I won't allow you to seek power on the back of the blood of Kenyans. I will stop you," he said.

President Ruto was reacting to an announcement by Azimio that their protests will now happen for three days non-stop, beginning next week.

The head of state also called out Raila for employing unconstitutional means to get into the government, insisting that it will not happen.

Ruto has previously reiterated his stand that there will never be a handshake with Raila.

"You can't use extra-constitutional means to get power. You want to use violence to get into government; it won't happen," he added.

"No demonstration is going to take place on Wednesday. It is not possible, this man (Raila Odinga)has brought chaos to this country which has led to many deaths. He kept on interfering with Mwai Kibaki's administration, Uhuru Kenyatta's and now the other day he led protests and properties were destroyed," Ruto said.

"That path that you are taking, I want to assure you that I am going to take you on and I will not allow it to happen." 

On Wednesday, Azimio protests recorded at least 9 deaths across the country. However, the number is believed to be more.

On Friday, the Raila-led outfit said the anti-government demonstrations will go on for three days next week.

Azimio said due to requests from all sectors, the peaceful protests will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday, Raila said the demos will be held whether the government issues a permit or not.

"We will have countrywide protests next week on Wednesday whether the government likes it or not," Raila said.

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