Nairobi, April 2 -- Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua yesterday said the government would be "ruthless" with the Raila Odinga-led anti-government protests, even as appeared pleased with what he said was the abandonment of the opposition leader by Western nations.

Mr Gachagua, who insists Mr Odinga should stop the protests and retire from politics, also went after former President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he said had sent emissaries for talks with the government.

The DP said Mr Kenyatta wants to get favours from the government but added that the emissaries were sent back to tell the ex-president to settle taxes demanded from his family.

Mr Gachagua said the protests have morphed into post-election violence.

"The government will assert its ...