President William Ruto on Wednesday, March 22, took a dig at opposition leader Raila Odinga over calls for anti-government protests twice a week — on Mondays and Thursdays.
Speaking at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), where he presided over the listing of Laptrust Imara (REIT) by CPF Financial Services, the Head of State downplayed Raila's declaration, saying he looks forward to days when Mondays and Thursdays would be the best trading days in the stock market.
"I'm looking forward to days in the very near future when we will be reporting every Monday and every Thursday to be the days that were traded highest in the National Security Exchange (NSE)," Ruto quipped.
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President Ruto, while accusing the opposition of economic sabotage, affirmed that the government will take necessary measures to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the country.
"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.
"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."
Raila announced yesterday that the opposition's demonstrations that began on Monday, March 20, would continue due to public demand.
"Fellow Kenyans, in the second phase of our protest, and in response to public demand, we shall now hold the protests every Monday and Thursday beginning next week," Raila told journalists at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi.
The former prime minister said Monday's demonstrations held in Nairobi and several parts of the country were "immensely successful".
He has listed five reasons for the opposition's calls for peaceful demonstrations, including the high cost of living, electoral injustice, nepotism in state appointments, the sacking of civil servants and defence for democracy.
