Deputy President William Ruto cautions CORD against mass action

Deputy President William Ruto and his wife Rachel cut cake to celebrate his birthday and wedding anniversary at A.I.C Township in Moiben. (Photo:DPPS)

Deputy President William Ruto has advised Opposition leaders against the planned mass action to protest the Security Laws (Amendment) Act, 2014.

The Deputy President said demonstrations should not be used as the only alternative to solving problems facing the country.

Speaking during a Sunday Service at the Ziwa African Inland Church (AIC) in Uasin-Gishu County, Mr. Ruto urged leaders to use democratic means to air their views instead of resorting to mass action.

“Taking issues to streets cannot help solve the problem but will instead lead to further confusion. We should not resort to mass action because of competition over issues which can be solved by use of law,” said Ruto.

The Deputy President said leaders should engage in activities aimed at uniting the country instead of dividing it noting that Kenya was a democratic country that could solve its challenges by the rule of law for the benefit of all its citizens.

“I want to tell our friends in the Opposition that as much as we respect their right to hold their views, they should do so in good manner. They should conduct their business in a democratic manner,” said Ruto.

The Deputy President said the confusion being witnessed in some political parties should not be extended to the public saying such a move would encourage terrorists among other criminals to take advantage of the situation to cause havoc in the country.

“Chaotic scenes and confusion being witnessed in the Oppositions political parties should not be extended to the public .Kenyans will not gain through mass actions. We want a country that is not at war with itself,” he said.

He said Kenyans have given the Jubilee Administration the mandate to ensure their safety and that of their properties saying the Government will not negotiate will terrorists or criminals on matters of security.

The Deputy President at the same time clarified that the Government will purchase 90kg bag of maize at Sh2,800.

He asked farmers to take their farm produce to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots to be purchased.

“I want to ask all farmers to take their maize to NCPB depots to be purchased at Sh2,800 per 90kg bag,” he said.

Ruto also announced that prices for fertilizers have been reduced from current Sh2,000 to Sh1,800 assuring farmers that the Government was committed to reducing the cost of production.

The Deputy President asked Kenyans to invest more in the dairy sector which he said was key to improvement of living among many farmers in the country.

“I want to inform you that milk is the business of the future and farmers should take the dairy farming seriously,” said the Deputy President.

Governor Jackson Mandago (Uasin-Gishu), Yusla Ngeny (Women MP Uasin-Gishu) and Soy MP Edwin Barchilei  defended Parliament for passing the Security Laws saying it was the only way to curb insecurity in the country.

Mandago said the national and county governments were working together in addressing challenges facing maize farmers in the area.

AIC Presiding Bishop, Kenya, Silas Yego who led the sermon called on the need for leaders to work together in confronting security challenges in the country.

The Bishop said security issues were collective responsibility of all Kenyans and should not be the preserve of the Government alone.

He urged Christians to continue praying for peace and stability in the country.