President William Ruto, on Friday, December 2, warned Kenyans against engaging in the protest rallies called for by the Orange Democratic Movement party leader, Raila Odinga.
Ruto, who spoke at a roadside rally in Ruiru, Kiambu, claimed that Raila was on a mission to exploit ordinary Kenyans in advancing his political agenda.
"His brother is a senator, his sister is a woman representative, and his daughter is an East African Legislative Assembly lawmaker, yet he wants to use you in demonstrations.
"This is not possible, you will not deceive us," Ruto stated after attending a pass-out parade at Kenya Prisons.
The Head of State also urged opposition members to carry out their oversight mandate with respect and promote peace.
He argued that leaders should prioritise unity over self-interest, especially when the nation is battling economic challenges and famine.
"We must unite to address the challenges facing Kenyans, such as the current famine and desist from issues that add no value to the lives of Kenyans," the President appealed.
The statement by President Ruto came hours after Raila Odinga vowed to hold consultation forums at the Kamukunji grounds in protest of the suspension of the Cherera Four commissioners.
A tribunal was formed to probe the four Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners, vice chairperson Juliana Cherera, Irene Maist, Francis Wanderi and Justus Nyang'aya.
Nyang'aya, however, resigned from office, arguing that the nation's interest superseded his own.
Raila, on Friday, December 2, differed with Ruto on the decision to probe the commissioners who opposed the declaration of Ruto as President. He argued that the President was plotting to rig the 2027 General Election.
The former Prime Minister added that Ruto's first days in office had shown signs of an inclination towards a dictatorial regime.
"We wish to remind Mr Ruto that this country had a system like the one he is trying to reinvent. We fought that system. We brought down that system.
"We will do so to the one he is inventing now. We will bring it down. Let us all stand up for our country before it is too late," Raila stated on Friday, December 2.
