NAIROBI (KAAB TV) – Kenya’s opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has announced a three-day series of anti-government demonstrations starting on Wednesday, July 19, despite the government’s warning that the protests will not be allowed to take place.
Odinga, in a statement released by his One Kenya Party known as Azimio La Umoja, says that these anti-government protests will be a significant game-changer for the nation.
This follows the recent violent protests called by Odinga, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 civilians and the arrest of over 300 people, including an opposition lawmaker.
WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY PROTESTS STATEMENT BY AZIMIO LA UMOJA PARLIAMENTARY GROUP JULY 17, 2023
We are here, first and foremost, to confirm that the peaceful protests planned for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday this week are on as earlier declared by our leadership.…
— Azimio TV (@AzimioTv) July 17, 2023
The police have faced criticism for their heavy-handed response, including the use of tear gas against civilians, even within a school.
Despite stern warnings from the government, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition reaffirmed their commitment to proceed with the planned protests from Wednesday to Friday, citing their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and picketing under Article 37.
“The peaceful protests planned for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week are on as earlier declared by our leaders. These protests will go on in line with Article 37 of our Constitution which provides for freedom of peaceful assembly and picketing and no authority has got the power to suspend the operations of Article 37, no person, authority, agency, not William Ruto, Kithure Kindiki, not Rigathi Gachagua,” Odinga said.
In response, the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary of Interior Tharaka Nithi warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the economy, harm innocent citizens, loot private property, or vandalize public property will face appropriate action, not only in Nairobi but across all 47 counties in the country.
“The Government has not banned public rallies and gatherings. The public order act clearly allows such rallies to be held between 6am and 6pm. However, anyone planning to cause chaos, sabotage the economy, and engage in lawlessness will be dealt with firmly and decisively, in accordance with the law,” Tharaka Nithi said in a statement.
The tense standoff between the government and opposition raises concerns about the potential escalation of violence and the impact on Kenya’s stability.