Ruto to Azimio: I am ready for you

President William Ruto. [Standard]

President William Ruto has vowed not to allow anti-government protests next week as planned by Azimio la Umoja One Coalition.

Speaking during the launch of the Njabini-Naivasha road in Nakuru County, Ruto said that his government is ready to deal with the opposition if they decide to hold their nationwide protests as planned.

The Head of State added that he is prepared to deal with them if they decide to go forth with their three-day protests.

“The opposition is forcing us to share the government as they did to my predecessor. I want to tell them that they cannot use extra-judicial and unconstitutional means to force themselves to have a seat in government,” said Ruto

“Last Friday seven people lost their lives due to the protests. On Wednesday we lost eight more. We cannot go on like that as a country. Therefore, I want to tell him (Raila Odinga) that I am ready for him,” Ruto added.

His remarks come hours after Azimio la Umoja declared three days of demonstrations due to what they termed as ‘public demand’ and overwhelming requests from all sectors of the public for the need to intensify the protests.

"Going forward, the peaceful protests will now be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next week, in line with the requests from the public," Azimio stated.

On Thursday, July 13, the coalition declared a return to the streets on Wednesday, July 19.

It is the said demand by the public for an intensified demo that has now pushed them to settle for three days of protests.