President Ruto: Demos won't reduce prices of food commodities

President William Ruto during his address to the nation at State House, Nairobi on April 2, 2023. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

President William Ruto on Thursday, April 6 asked Azimio la Umoja to embrace alternative dispute resolution mechanisms instead of protests, saying the prices of food commodities are not lowered on the streets.

The president made the remarks at Ol Kalou in Nyandarua County.

"Protesting from morning to evening with sufurias on your heads won't lower the cost of food commodities. It is only through increased agricultural production that the food prices can come down, and it's our work as leaders to help you (Kenyans) improve your farm produce," Dr. Ruto told residents of Ol Kalou during a roadside address.

"Let us not disrupt Kenyans' lives. If we have any grievances on behalf of Kenyans, then, as leaders, let us take the issues to Parliament for meaningful discussions," added the Head of State.

Ruto said the protests were causing more harm than good to Kenyans.

"The demos lead to destruction of property, violence and disruption of businesses," he said.

Ruto maintained that he was fairly elected as Kenya's fifth president, and that election-rigging claims by Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga are baseless.

"Matters elections in Kenya should be discussed after the government's five years in office end. In 2027, when I expect Odinga and co to run against me, they won't even have agents willing to work for them," said Ruto.

The president was in Nyandarua County for a tour of a local potato plant and to commission a number of development projects. He had earlier visited Kwale County.

On the affordable housing project, Ruto said the Nyandarua County Government had offered to surrender parcels of land on which 5,000 housing units would be built.