President William Ruto defended US Ambassador Meg Whitman on Friday following criticism by Azimio leader Raila Odinga that the US keep off Kenya's internal affairs.
President Ruto, who appealed to leaders to engage in responsible and constructive dialogue, underscored the critical need to maintain a peaceful environment to facilitate Kenya's growth and development, adding that Whitman's statement that last year's August elections were free and fair is a matter of fact.
"Let us learn to respect ourselves before we demand to be respected," Ruto said, adding, "I found myself wondering, between those orchestrating demonstrations and causing property damage, and the ambassador who made the statement, who truly holds the label of 'rogue'? I leave this question for Kenyans to contemplate."
The President spoke during the Kenya Commercial Bank 2jiajiri graduation event held in Kasarani, Nairobi.
Whitman has come under fire following he remarks at the devolution conference in Eldoret on Wednesday where she endorsed the last year's presidential election, terming it free, fair, and credible.
However, Raila, in his address on Thursday during the Devolution Conference, responded to Meg, calling her 'rogue', for claiming that the last general elections were free, fair, and credible.
"I want to address the so-called 'rogue' ambassador: let Kenyans be. If maandamano (protests) can lead to a dialogue between Ichung'wah and Kalonzo, then we find no fault with them," Raila said.
Ruto said that the glorification of violent demonstrations, which have led to property destruction and disrupted livelihoods, is taking the country back economically.
"We would be very reckless people if we were to glorify such actions," President Ruto stated, highlighting the need to uphold a peaceful atmosphere for the nation's progress.
He continued, "We would be acting recklessly if we were to celebrate such actions."
[Benjamin Imende, Stephen Rutto and Mercy Ereu]
