Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has told the opposition leader Raila Odinga to respect President William Ruto as he was elected and is currently the head of state.
"You cannot disrespect the head of state and expect him to give you a pat on the shoulder," Kindiki said.
He said this as he warned the Opposition over the planned demos that Raila said will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
He spoke at Kaanwa Catholic Church in Chuka Igambang'ombe constituency in Tharaka Nithi County on Sunday, July 16, 2023, when he attended a church service.
The tough-talking Kindiki dared the Opposition leaders and branded them criminals hiding behind the constitution.
"We will smoke out people hiding behind the constitution to commit crime, hurt people, disrupt business and close roads," Kindiki said.
Kindiki said he understand the constitution better than the opposition leaders.
"So by doing this, I will not be stifling free speech or interfering with political association. I will be the last person to break the constitution," Kindiki said.
He said on Wednesday demonstration by the opposition left many shops looted, buildings burnt and government property destroyed in the pretext of freedom of association.
He said that the opposition has recruited jobless youths who they pay to cause mayhem instead of offering them jobs.
"I promise the country that I will deal with criminals who are endangering the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans," Kindiki said.
On terrorism, Kindiki said he will wipe out the al Shabaab militants.
"We have the medicine for al Shababab and I want to assure our people we will pursue them and we will wipe them out once and for all," Kindiki said.
Kindiki said he will also wipe out banditry in the North Rift. "The problem of banditry and terrorism will be wiped out completely."
He was accompanied by Tharaka Nithi senator Mwenda Gataya, Chuka Igambang'ombe MP Patrick Munene and Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara.
Gitonga Murugara said they have tried the bipartisan approach but it has failed.
"We have tried all we can to engage in the Bipartisan talks but it has not worked," Murugara said.