Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked young people to call off planned peaceful protests to guard against infiltration by criminals.

The Deputy President said the cessation of the protests would give room for security officers to crack down on and deal firmly with criminals.

This is after the Tuesday protests were meted violence, looting and destruction of properties.

Gachagua appealed to young people to call off the protests saying President William Ruto has acceded to their demands and dropped the Finance Bill 2024.

"Our country faces difficult moments and as the Deputy President and a leader in this country, I want to call for peace and calm. This is our only country. We have no other. I ask all Kenyans to make and observe peace and keep off violence," Gachagua said.

Gachagua said it was unfortunate that peaceful protests have turned violent.

He explained that a mechanism for addressing their issues is being worked on and they should trust the process.

The DP said that once they call off your protests security agencies will be in a position to deal firmly and decisively with the criminal elements.

"To the Generation Z, as your father we have heard you. You spoke clearly and the message is home. What you started as peaceful protests has unfortunately been infiltrated and hijacked by criminals, who are looting and creating mayhem. As a father and a parent, listen to us, as your parents, I plead with you to call off the protests."

The DP said that Ruto has acceded to the demands and concerns the youths raised promising that they will be heard.

"Please do not allow the criminals to take advantage of what you started in good faith with a message to the country to be infiltrated and hijacked and cause chaos and mayhem in the country," Gachagua said.

The Deputy President further asked political leaders to tone down on political statements and embark on peaceful national coexistence.

"Let us bring down political temperatures. Let us all build our country together. We have one country and one leader. Let us embark on peaceful coexistence among people so that we can enjoy the fruits of our labour. A situation of chaos and mayhem is not conducive for people to carry on with their lives," he said.

"That is my plea to all leaders in the country, the young generation and everybody to understand and appreciate that we do not have another Kenya. We have one country and we must do so to make sure there is peace and harmony."

He spoke in in Mirera village in Nayuki, Laikipia County during the funeral of his eldest sister, Leah Wangari Muriuki.

He was accompanied by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, Governors Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri) Kiarie Badilisha (Nyandarua), Senate Deputy Speaker and Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi and over 30 MPs.