During the Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized the Azimio la Umoja Coalition's leadership over the planned Tuesday demonstrations in Nairobi and other parts of the country. Gachagua urged the opposition to stop involving their supporters and instead face President William Ruto in State House or embrace the bipartisan talks called by the president through parliament.
Gachagua stated that the government would do all it could to protect life and property during the demonstrations, warning the opposition not to disturb hustlers in Eastlands and Southlands Nairobi. He also mentioned that President Ruto had the constitutional mandate to protect Kenyans and their property and could not overlook that mandate.
The Azimio la Umoja Coalition had planned demonstrations to protest the high cost of living, government appointments, among other issues. The opposition accused the government of lacking goodwill in the bipartisan talks called by Ruto. Both sides of parliament have maintained a hardline stance, with both demanding the withdrawal of members from the parliamentary teams picked to lead the talks.
Raila and his supporters had taken to the streets close to a month ago in two successive weeks, where clashes between protesters and the police, destruction of property and loss of lives was witnessed. The demos also interrupted normal operations in the cities of Nairobi and Kisumu, and other towns in Nyanza region where Raila enjoys support.
Gachagua's comments come as tensions continue to rise between the government and the opposition ahead of the planned demonstrations. The government has been facing pressure to address the high cost of living and implement a pay rise for thousands of government workers, a key pre-election promise that Ruto made and is struggling to fulfill against a cash crunch that has caused civil service salary delays.
The opposition, on the other hand, has accused the government of mismanaging the economy and failing to address the needs of ordinary Kenyans. They have called for the resignation of several government officials, including the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, whom they blame for the economic hardships facing the country.
As both sides continue to hold firm to their positions, the question of how to move the country forward remains unanswered. The upcoming demonstrations are likely to exacerbate tensions further and could lead to more violence and destruction of property if not handled carefully. It is crucial that both sides come to the negotiating table and find a way to resolve their differences peacefully and in the interest of all Kenyans.