President William Ruto, on Friday, said he has no issue with Azimio leader Raila Odinga organizing protests in the country.
Speaking during an interview with France 24 in Paris, France, on Friday, June 23, 2023, Ruto, however, warned that the protests must be devoid of violence and destruction of property, citing similar protests that have been held in Paris in recent days.
"I have no problem with Raila Odinga. I have no problem with him organizing protests. There are protests here in Paris... I have just asked Raila and company not to engage in violence and destruction of property. That's all. We are a democracy," said Ruto.
The Head of State left the country on Wednesday, June 22, 2023, to attend the Global Pact Finance Summit in Paris, hosted by France President Emmanuel Macron.
The meeting aims to enhance cooperation among the international community in the face of the threefold challenge of poverty, climate change, and the erosion of biodiversity.
Ruto's statement comes a day after Azimio members, led by the coalition's deputy leader Martha Karua, announced plans to hold a rally at the Kamukunji grounds in Nairobi on Tuesday next week.
"The rally is meant to forge the way forward for the coalition after the National Assembly passed the proposed Finance Bill, 2023 yesterday. We have decided to invite Kenyans to a consultation at the Kamukunji grounds next Tuesday, June 27, at 10 am where the next course of action will be decided. This time there will be no difference. We believe in the end it is the people's voice that will prevail," said Karua.
The coalition stated that Kenyans should not live in a helpless state against "rogue leaders".
Following the approval of the Finance Bill, Azimio claims that the Kenya Kwanza government has turned a deaf ear to the opinions of the Kenyans.
The leaders criticized Kenya Kwanza adminisration for ignoring the wishes of the people and retaining punitive taxes on fuel, housing, turnover, and salaries, among others.
