DP Gachagua: Go to work on Thursday, you'll be safe

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday asked Kenyans to go about their businesses as usual on Thursday, ahead of the planned Azimio protests.

Speaking at Kangocho Secondary School in Mathira, Gachagua said the government has made adequate plans to protect Kenyans thus they should not be afraid of reporting to work.

"Tomorrow (Thursday) Kenyans should go to work and open their businesses. The government has made elaborate plans and adequate arrangements to protect lives and property.

"We have a constitutional mandate to protect the life and property of the rich and the ordinary Kenyans," he said.

The DP also hit out at opposition leader Raila Odinga, accusing him of trying to blackmail his way to power. Gachagua said Odinga is trying to arm-twist the government into a handshake but he will not be given that luxury.

He added that the demos are not about the cost of living but the selfish interests of a section of leaders.

"Kenya is a country governed by the rule of law and we have a constitution. Huyu jamaa wa maandamano amezoea tuforce his way into government through violence.

"He is trying to blackmail us into talks but we shall not give in. The cost of food is not the issue...when he was in govt (after the handshake) he did not demonstrate yet the cost of living was at an all-time high," said the DP.

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Adding: "He shall not enter government through the backdoor."

Gachagua further asked National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa to stay put despite the heat he is facing.

The DP described him as a focused and intelligent leader who has a future in Mt Kenya politics.

"They tried to fight us when he (Uhuru) was President but it was not possible. How can they fight us when they are out of government?

"The previous administration destroyed all leaders from Mt Kenya...they did not want any leader to emerge from this region. Kimani is a respected leader with a good brain and focus. He has a future. He is the second seniormost leader in this region after me and he has a responsibility to unite the leadership and defend economic interests of the people of this region," said the DP.

Elsewhere, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o on Wednesday suspended the weekly protests in his county saying he would join protestors in Nairobi.

Nyong'o, however, maintained that the people of Kisumu remain committed to the Azimio La Umoja and its campaign for a better Kenya.