By Peter Ochieng

Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua wants Kenyans of good will to shun ‘March to State House’ protests called by Raila Odinga.

Odinga, the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader is expected to lead his supporters in the protests on Monday, 20th March, 2023 to push for among others, the lowering of prices of basic commodities.

However, the Deputy President urged Kenyans not heed to Odinga’s call, advising them to continue with nation building activities.

The DP spoke in Laikipia County, during the 8th Pan-African Journalism Awards, 2023 on Friday, 17th March, 2023.

“I ask Kenyans to ignore calls for protests on March 20, 2023 being organised by opposition leaders. Kenyans should treat those calls with contempt and move on with their work as usual,” he said.

He added, “Security agencies will provide security to ensure the hardworking and peaceful Kenyans are not disturbed and distracted.”

He termed Odinga and his entire Azimio brigade as unpatriotic and irresponsible.

“It is very unpatriotic, irresponsible and immoral for any any leader to call for demonstrations when the government is working hard to stabilise the economy. Leaders calling for protests are misusing other people’s children to demonstrate and confront police officers while theirs are elsewhere.”

He insisted that like in the past, the demos will come to pass and Kenyans will continue with the engagements.

“Just like past times when losers complained in the streets, this will also pass. The Government will not be distracted from delivering it’s promise to the people,” said the second in command.

The protests are the first test of the President William Ruto, Gachagua administration since being sworn in, in September 2022.

This week, the President said Odinga has a right to hold peaceful protests.

He however warned that the government will not take a laid back approach should they degenerate into violence.