President William Ruto on Sunday, March 19, instructed the National Police Service (NPS) to carry out their mandate in line with the Constitution, ahead of the planned mass protest organised by Azimio Leader Umoja Raila Odinga.
Speaking during a church service at Kapsabet Showground, Nandi County, Ruto noted that the police would ensure the rights of all citizens would be protected- be it those who join the protests or those who continue with their day-to-day activities.
He warned those who will demonstrate not to interfere with the fundamental rights of other citizens or else they would face the full arm of the law.
"I instruct the police to do their work according to the constitution. They are professional people and they are going to ensure the rights of everybody are protected. The rights of those who want to protest and the rights of those who want to go about their businesses.
"I have confidence in our police men and women because I have told them that I don't need them to help me with politics but they need to concentrate on their mandate to protect the rights of every citizen," Ruto noted.
While castigating Raila's motive for organising mass protests, the president noted that the former prime minister sought to arm-twist the government in a bid to give in to their demand.
"I've tried to listen to him, he is telling us he doesn't believe in IEBC, Supreme Court, he believes a whistleblower. He doesn't want the law, he wants to decide himself against the constitution, which is anarchy.
"Sadly he is telling about the cost of living. Owing to his actions are why we're here. We will not allow it. You have terrorised the people of Nyanza into slavery, you now want in the extent to terrorise people using anarchy. It will not happen," he noted.
Ruto underlined that he was ready to work with all leaders who did not issue ultimatums to the government.
"I am ready to engage with any leader if we're discussing the future of our country, the destiny of our nation, but we are not going to engage in anarchy, you are not going to engage in violence," he pointed out.
The head of state noted that for him to hold talks with the former premier, he would have to answer pertinent questions regarding missing billions during the handshake tenure.
"First and foremost, the Controller of Budget wants to know where the Ksh15 billion went. Secondly, where did the funds for the Ksh100 subsidised unga go?" Ruto posed.
"I inform the pastors to pray to God and leave us to deal with them," he added.
