President of Kenya warns opposition over Mass Action plans

NAIROBI, Kenya

President of Kenya, William Ruto, has warned opposition leader Raila Odinga against holding unlawful protests that will result in the destruction of lives and property or the paralyzation of business operations in the country.

In a response to the recent threats by Odinga and other opposition leaders to lead countrywide demonstrations next week, the President said Kenya is a country governed by the rule of law and no one was above the law.

He insisted that he will not allow any attempt by opposition to "blackmail" the country, urging Odinga to liaise with police over the planned demonstrations..

"We must tell my good friend Raila Odinga. You cannot. Enough is enough. You cannot continue to blackmail the country. We have no problem with you organising demonstrations but please it is your responsibility to work with the police to make sure that the rest of the citizens of Kenya... their lives are not disrupted, their property is not destroyed and businesses are not affected. They can go to work and you can carry on with your demonstrations."

Ruto was speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, when he met leaders from Trans Nzoia County.  He said Kenyans have the right to protest but must do so peacefully and within the law.

"Odinga has been holding bloody and chaotic demonstrations for the last 50 years; he needs to assure Kenyans that this will be different. This is why we’ve told Raila Odinga to sit down with police and explain to them how the demonstrations will be peaceful,” said President Ruto.

President Ruto told the opposition that the country would not submit to his threats and blackmail.

"I want to tell my elder brother Raila Odinga that we can’t have two sets of laws,” said Dr Ruto.

Opposition has called for massive demonstration in the capital city of Nairobi to the state house and countrywide on Monday, May 20 over high cost of life and question of legitimacy of current regime.