William Ruto Vows To Stop Maandamano Just Like He Stopped Reggae: "Haitafanyika Kenya"

• President William Ruto has absolved the police of any wrongdoing after they were accused of brutalising civilians partaking in the anti-state protests
• Despite failing to recognise the victims of the supposed police brutality, Ruto observed that over 300 officers were injured and blamed it on the civilians
• He said the protests would soon be a thing of the past as he vowed to gravely check on the security of the nation

Tana River, Kenya - President William Ruto says the mass action protests would soon be a thing of the past.

Ruto is at the coast for a five-day working tour beginning Thursday, July 27.

Speaking on the first day of the trip, the president defended the state law enforcers over their conduct while handling the recent anti-government protests.

Ruto: Police are innocent

He said the security of the nation would not be negotiated, appearing to dissent from the quarters accusing the police of meting brute force on demonstrators on the streets.

The president divulged that lots of law enforcement agents were nursing injuries in hospitals, blaming the members of the public for perpetrating violence on the police.

He however kept mum on the civilian victims of the lethal police force.

"When you attack our security agencies, you are attacking the Republic of Kenya, the constituon and the rule of law; and your are promoting anarchy, and that is a no-go zone, it is not acceptable.

Those saying our police were wrong to protect property and lives, we have over 300 officers in hospital after being stoned while undertaking their duties. We can discuss everything else but not the security of the country. Just like we ended reggae with the help of God, these demonstrations will also come to an end," he said.

Amnesty International analysed that over 30 people were felled by police bullets since the start of the mass action protests in March this year.

Recently, the president made overtures to his longtime political rival Raila Odinga after the bout of chaotic protests.

In a tweet sent on Tuesday, July 25 evening, Ruto expressed his willingness to engage the longstanding opposition leader in face-to-face talks at the latter's convenience.

Ruto to Raila: Come meet me

The president stated the engagement would happen upon his return from Tanzania, where he is on an official visit.

Ruto did not divulge the contents and the terms with which he would engage Raila.

"My friend Raila Odinga, I am off to Tanzania for a human capital meeting to harmonise the expansion of employment opportunities in our continent. I'm back tomorrow evening, and as you have always known, I am available to meet one on one with you anytime at your convenience," he said.

Ruto: There will be no handshake government

Previously, Ruto had been categorical that he would not engage Raila to negotiate for any power-sharing arrangement.

He believes such arrangements plunged the country to its current "mess", referencing his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, who allowed Raila into the second phase of his administration after their historic "handshake".

On his part, Raila has consistently stated that the fuss he has been making with his mass action protests has been to agitate for lowering the cost of living, dismissing the assertion that he is seeking entry into the government.