Give me time to address your concerns - Ruto to protesters

President William Ruto has urged the public to cease protests and maintain calm, emphasising that peace is essential for the nation's development.

In his address at Kinango Technical and Vocational College in Kwale County on Saturday, the President reiterated that stability is crucial for progress and prosperity and urged all Kenyans to work together to foster a peaceful environment.

"You have raised your concerns. I have heard you. Now give me time to implement. The protests and violence we are witnessing will only serve to destroy the great country we have. We need to use dialogue to address our challenges, not divisive politics," pleaded President Ruto.

His remarks came in the wake of escalating demonstrations across the country, with protesters urging him to resign despite forcing him to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill 2024 and dismiss and re-hire Cabinet Secretaries.

Ruto, amid the pressure, has continued to urge citizens to set aside political differences and work together towards national progress.

"We have decided to put our political differences aside to work towards rebuilding our nation, irrespective of our political affiliation," Ruto stated. "There is immense value in working together to make Kenya greater."

Even though Ruto bowed to pressure and dismissed his cabinet, his recent appointees have elicited more backlash, especially after he nominated four key opposition members.

The quartet are Orange Democratic Movement chairman John Mbadi (nominated MP), deputy party leaders Wycliffe Oparanya (former Kakamega Governor) and Ali Hassan Joho (former Mombasa Governor), and the opposition minority leader in the National Assembly, Opiyo Wandayi.

Ruto nominated them to serve as CSs Treasury, Cooperatives and SMEs, Mining and Blue Economy and Energy, respectively. He also recalled former CSs Kithure Kindiki, Salim Mvurya, Kipchumba Murkomen, Alfred Mutua, Rebecca Miano, Aden Duale, and Soipan Tuya.

The President, in defence of the formation of his new cabinet, described it as a team where every member is a winner. 

President William Ruto addresses Kwale County residents after touring the Kinango Technical and Vocational College on Saturday, July 27, 2024, (Photo: PCS)

"As we are forming this administration, I am persuaded beyond doubt that we are going to unlock Kenya's potential and make it the greater country we have always wanted it to be," Ruto told Kwale residents. 

"Let us forget our political affiliations and work towards development," he urged.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi echoed Ruto's call for peace, cautioning against divisions with the potential to cause the country to descend into chaos. 

"We do not want our country to become like Sudan or others embroiled in conflict. Such unrest will ruin our nation and deter investors. For those who have lost their lives due to the protests, we extend our condolences and hope that Kenya will never witness such incidents again," Mudavadi said.

The PCS, who was designed as acting CS in all 22 cabinet dockets prior to vetting and confirmation of the nominees, directed his appeal particularly at the youth, urging them to stop the protests and contribute to maintaining national stability and contributing to economic prosperity.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi also expressed support for President Ruto's call for calm and an end to the month-long protests.

Kingi commended the President for being receptive to public concerns and urged the younger generation to allow the administration time to address the issues raised.

"There is a season for everything. It is even stated in the bible. The time for protests is over; now let us give the President the time to work," stated Kingi

In his address, Kingi highlighted that constructive dialogue and patience are key to resolving national issues. He called on Kenyans to embrace this approach for the betterment of the country.

"We have told the president we are hungry, but if we kick the pot, there will be no food. Let us give him time to cook," Kingi pleaded. 

President William Ruto tours Kinango Technical and Vocational College in Kwale County on Saturday, July 27, 2024. (Photo: PCS)