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President William Ruto has asked Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga to stop disrupting the country and instead face him to address his plight.

The Head of State said the protests by opposition leaders were affecting innocent people, ruining businesses and the country’s economy.

Speaking at Getach primary school where the homecoming ceremony for Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu was held, Ruto directed security officers to protect people’s lives and properties.

He was accompanied by Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, Roads cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen and Governors- Simba Arati ( Kisii) Amos Nyaribo ( Nyamira).

Lawmakers – Dorice Aburi (Kisii county) Jerusa Momanyi ( Nyamira), Silvanus Osoro ( South Mugirango) innocent Obiri ( Bobasi) Japeht Nyakundi ( Kitutu Chache North), Obadiah Barongo ( Bomachoge Borabu), Alfah Miruka ( Bomachoge Chache), Charles Onchoke ( Bonchari), Patrick Osero ( Borabu) Joash Nyamoko ( North Mugirango), Senator Richard Onyonka attended, Gloria Orwoba and Essy Okenyuri ( nominated Senators) among other appointees.

“I defeated you. You do not want to face me. You are contemptuous and causing problems to innocent people like touts, matatu operators and ‘mama mbogas’,” Ruto said.

“I will wait for you in 2027. I would have organized to defeat you,” he added.

The country’s first-in-command asserted that nobody was licenced to terrorize Kenyans and destroy their properties. He stressed that the country has laws and a constitution that governs it.

While insisting that Raila should stop disturbing innocent Kenyans with protests, Ruto affirmed that he was prepared to face Raila in the next elections.

He noted that he will not allow Raila to bother him as he did with late presidents – Daniel Moi and Mwai Kibaki.

The president further urged the opposition leader to stop protests and allow his government to serve its people.

“They had their chance during the handshake government. They planned the Building Bridges Initiative, Reggae and the price of maize flour increased up to Ksh230,” Ruto said.

Ruto lauds locals

At the same time, the Head of State lauded locals for voting for him and giving him Machogu to work in his cabinet saying he is among the best CSs who campaigned for him to get votes from Kisii county.

“I hope Machogu will boost education standards and take it to another level. Thank you and let us work together,” he said.

He said he was willing to work with all elected leaders regardless of their political affiliations to realize development in the counties and the entire country.

The Head of State said it was an opportune time to change the fortunes of Kenyans and challenged the elected leaders to reciprocate the gesture by working for Kenyans.

“The leaders have a pact with members of the public. We want to serve you and cater for your interests because you voted for us,” Ruto added.

He further assured residents that his administration would complete stalled roads and start new ones, adding that funds meant for some projects were embezzled during the last regime.

The Head of State pointed out that Kisii and Nyamira counties have provided 50 acres and 70 respectively to construct 10,000 housing units in each county to ease the pressure on the shrinking land and create jobs for 15000 youths in each area.

Ruto additionally underscored that Suneka airstrip will not be expanded due to lack of land. He says experts will be sent to Kisii and Nyamira counties to inspect Sironga and Nyangusu for the airport to be constructed.

On his part, Gachagua said the president had nominated and appointed several people from Kisii and Nyamira counties to key government positions. He stressed that the leaders aforementioned will be used to serve them and foster development.

The DP also maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration will not hold ‘handshake’ talks with Raila.