Ruto says Raila free to hold demos but in peace

President William Ruto has said opposition chief Raila Odinga and his Azimio Alliance brigade are free to hold rallies on condition that they uphold peace.

The Head of State, on Saturday, July 1, warned that demonstrations should not lead to the destruction of property and destabilise the economy. 

Speaking during a homecoming ceremony of Treasury Principal Secretary (PS) Chris Kiptoo, the president chided the leaders in opposition saying their protests were not contributing to food production.

Leaders who accompanied the Head of State criticised the judiciary for slamming the brakes on the implementation of the Finance Bill 2023 pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah. 

“I am happy because the opposition has agreed with the government on subsidising production. They have now shifted from mass action to political rallies,” President Ruto said. “We are only asking them to stop destroying property during their protests.”

On the stalled Arror and Kimwarer dams and Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet, Ruto said the projects will commence soon, noting the works were cancelled over political reasons. 

He said Kenya and the Italian government, which is funding the two dams had agreed on reviving the Arror and Kimwarer dams projects aimed at supplying water to drought-prone areas of Kerio Valley.

“The projects stalled because of political rivalry. I have met the Italian government and we have agreed to solve the political problem and the construction of the dams can now commence,” Ruto said during the homecoming ceremony. 

Water pans

Dr Ruto said the State is planning to establish 100 dams and several water pans. The President had earlier taken part in a one-minute 59 seconds tree-planting challenge in Keiyo North before launching the rehabilitation of the Yokot dam. 

Marathon record holders Eliud Kipchoge, Mary Keitany and Vivian Cheruiyot were among the top athletes who took part in the tree-planting challenge.

Ruto said restoration and increased forest cover will guarantee food security and mitigate drought.

“The first step to mitigate drought is reafforestation. Tree planting is now a government priority,” the President said.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said State officials will not take a pay rise in a struggling economy, noting that cabinet secretaries who are unhappy with current salaries should quit and pave the way for others. “Even if money to increase salaries is made available, we will not take the pay rise because it is immoral to enjoy hefty salaries when Kenyans are struggling to make ends meet,” Gachagua said.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi took a swipe at the Judiciary and asked it to respect State procedures.