President William Ruto on Wednesday, March 22, chided Azimio leader Raila Odinga over his call for weekly protests every Monday and Thursday.
Speaking during the listing of Laptrust Imara (REIT) at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), the president expressed confidence in the future when Mondays and Thursdays would be the best trading days.
He added that the government would stop at nothing to in maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that lawbreakers are held accountable.
The head of state pointed out that the government was mandated to protect the rights of all citizens and their businesses to enable them to achieve their goals without disruptions.
"I'm looking forward to days in every near future when every Monday and every Thursday to be the days that were traded the highest in the National Security Exchange (NSE)," Ruto wittily stated.
"Through the rule of law, the government will take robust measures to ensure the rights of all and demonstrate that no one is above the law by decisively combating impunity and lawlessness and disorder. We have a duty to ensure that every worker and hustler from the Mama Mboga, MSME to the global multinational corporation operating in Kenya enjoy a conducive environment to pursue their goals unhindered," he added.
President Ruto affirmed that his administration would not entertain anyone advancing economic sabotage to gain selfish interests.
"There is no reason whatsoever for anyone to stand in the way of free enterprise, disrupt businesses or sabotage economic activity, or work as economic terrorists for personal selfish interests. Such impunity must be dealt with firmly and full accountability enforced to vindicate Kenya's commitment as a free market economy," he noted.
Ruto's response came after Raila declared nationwide protests every Monday and Thursday beginning March 27.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader noted that the demonstrations would continue until their demands were met.
"In response to public demand, we shall now hold protests every Thursday and Monday beginning next week," Raila stated on Tuesday, March 21.
During his press briefing, Raila castigated the president for his dictatorial leadership style over the running battles witnessed between police officers and his supporters on the Monday, March 20, protests.
"Ruto’s greatest aspiration is to return Kenya to the old dictatorship where he is the unquestioned tyrant controlling everyone’s life. We have come to the conclusion that our police shall never change unless we make them change," he noted.
"We reiterate to our supporters and all patriotic Kenyans that this struggle is just starting. We are not looking and we will not be intimidated. No retreat, no surrender," he added.
