And as a confrontation looms large between opposition supporters and the police, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua – seen as a hardliner – will be in-charge of country for the next four days as President Ruto flies to Europe to attend to government business.
Tension is rising in the capital city Nairobi after the Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome outlawed the demonstrations called by the opposition lead Raila Odinga to take place on Monday to protest rising cost of living.
As the confrontation looms large in the Capital City, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua seen by many as a hardliner will be in-charge of the country in the next four days after President Ruto flew to Europe to attend to government business.
Speaking to the media this morning, Koome said the police will not allow any demonstrations in Nairobi and any other parts of the country, saying the police will be at the ready to deal with anybody disrupting peace.
He urged Kenyans to ignore the so-called holiday and report to work as usual on Monday saying police will ensure their safety.
Koome said it does not matter who tries to hold demonstrations saying each person will be met by the full force of the law.
A section of Nairobi traders had earlier on Saturday warned Raila to call off the planned demonstrations saying they would not be intimidated to close their businesses adding that they were ready to protect their hustles.
Led by businessman Michael Karanja, the traders said they incurred huge loses during the protests called last Monday and they would not allow that to happen again.
They said they are planning to sue Raila for the losses and destruction they suffered under armed goods who robbed and looted their shops in the name of demonstrations.
They said they had nothing to do with Raila’s grievances since their role was simply to vote and that he (Raila) should direct his protests to the rightful places and not their businesses.
