The NGO Council of Kenya yesterday appealed to political leaders to be tolerant and resume bipartisan talks.

The council warned that the country cannot afford another round of street protests that have so far claimed the lives of 21 people.

In a press statement, council chairman Stephen Cheboi said the country is at a standstill due to demonstrations that, he said, were scaring away investors and tourists and forcing Kenyans to stay indoors.

“It can no longer be business as usual when political hardliners decide to hold the country to ransom,” he said.

Cheboi said some hotels at the Coast had started laying off workers due to lack of business as tourists stay away.

“We are urging political actors to engage in talks and desist from demonstrations that have rocked the country and disrupted business in several parts of the country,” the statement added.

Cheboi urged President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga to put their differences aside for the sake of the country and engage in meaningful talks.