Mudavadi calls for end to protests, urges focus on recovery

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on Kenyans to prioritise their support for the government in its efforts to build a better Kenya, rather than engaging in mass protests.

Speaking in Vihiga when he accompanied President William Ruto to commission the Vihiga Cluster Supply Project at Lunyerere in Sabatia on Saturday, 20 July 2023, Mudavadi accused the Azimio la Umoja coalition of sabotaging the economy by staging protests, saying that such a move showed disrespect for the Constitution and the rule of law.

"We joined hands and defeated them [Azimio la Umoja coalition] at the ballot.

They went to court and lost their case. We are almost a year since the last general election, and these people do not want to accept and embrace the reality that Ruto is the President," said Mudavadi.

"Nobody is above the law. Raila Odinga should know that it is his duty to respect a duly elected government. This government was democratically elected, and it is time the opposition accepted defeat and moved on," he added.

He said that demonstrations would not help to put food on the table, and urged Kenyans to remain focused.

Mudavadi's statement comes amid renewed calls by the Azimio la Umoja coalition to resume mass protests on Wednesday next week.

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on Saturday, 22 July 2023, the leaders rejected the possibility of talks with the government, accusing the police of using excessive force in managing protests.

"Our peaceful demonstrations will continue next Wednesday, and we will notify all OCSs in the country," said former Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria in a joint statement.

Wa Iria was joined by the Azimio coalition's leaders, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Opiyo Wandayi, and Jeremiah Kioni.

The leaders condemned police attacks on civilians, highlighting that they were targeted in certain areas.

"What sense does it make to meet with people who are already committing acts of genocide? We pray to God that what happened in Rwanda does not happen in our country," said Wa Iria.

He accused President William Ruto of subverting the will of the people and using force to rule the country.

"These are all acts of grave concern, as it seems that President William Ruto's actions may be challenging the Constitution of Kenya," he said.

"We cannot stand idly by as Kenya faces potential dismantling, and we must exercise our right to voice our opinions, including our right to life."

The leaders called for the unconditional release of leaders and supporters who were detained during protests.