This announcement comes in response to a joint statement issued by the ruling coalition party, Kenya Kwanza, which suggested that both parties had reached an agreement to halt the protests.

“Until we agree that each party has the freedom and right to bring its issues to the table and as we continue to pursue discussion, we shall continue with our engagements with the people,” stated a spokesperson for the Azimio opposition coalition.

The statement was made shortly after Kenyan President William Ruto revealed that he had recently spoken with opposition leader Raila Odinga and other opposition leaders, and they had apparently reached a consensus to put an end to anti-government protests.

“We can compete in anything but cannot have a leader either past, present, or future that will plan chaos and bloodshed. That will not happen in Kenya,” President Ruto asserted, adding that going forward, there would be no violence, and discussions could proceed as Kenya is a free country and a democracy.

The nationwide protests in the country have been marred by police violence, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties according to reports from civil society groups.

The opposition-led protests were initially triggered by the Azimio la Umoja leaders who opposed the rising living costs attributed to tax hikes in Kenya.

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During a press briefing held in Nairobi on Saturday, the leaders of the Kenya One Alliance coalition, known as Azimio la Umoja, expressed their commitment to maintaining a peaceful stance during the protests.

They emphasized that the opposition is unwilling to engage with the Kenya Kwanza government, citing recent brutality committed against citizens, particularly condemning the police attacks on civilians in specific areas.

The press conference, led by Kalonzo Musyoka and Mwangi wa Iria, also addressed their engagement with foreign ambassadors, including representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the United Nations.

“#Maandamano protests against the high cost of living will take place on Wednesday next week from 6am to 6pm,” added Kalonzo Musyoka.

A key demand put forth by the opposition officials was the immediate release of all detained opposition leaders and supporters.

Over the past three weeks, the ongoing public protests organized by the opposition have resulted in more than 20 fatalities and the arrest of approximately 600 individuals across Kenya.

The core issue prompting the countrywide protests is the opposition’s call for the repeal of a finance law that has led to new tax increases. The rise in taxes has notably inflated fuel prices to an all-time high, as the government implemented a doubling of the value-added tax on petroleum products to 16 percent. Consequently, the cost of food has also skyrocketed, exacerbating the financial burden on citizens.

The Kenyan government has labeled the protests as a threat to national security, responding with police excessive force to disperse protesters on the streets.

In contrast, Western envoys from 13 countries issued a joint statement on Tuesday, calling for dialogue between the opposition and the government. They expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and destruction of property that has occurred during the protests.

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The three-day demonstrations, announced by opposition leader Raila Odinga on Monday, resulted in widespread disruptions and clashes across the country.

Throughout the day, angry protesters took to the streets of several cities, leading to the closure of businesses nationwide. Unfortunately, the protests turned deadly, with at least five protesters losing their lives on Wednesday.

The government reported the arrest of 300 individuals in connection with demonstration-related activities, including several opposition officials.

In Nairobi, the capital city, the roads remained relatively empty in the morning, with only a few commuters observed. However, tensions escalated throughout the day, resulting in three civilians sustaining gunshot wounds and multiple injuries to police gunshots and beatings.

In Mathare and Jacaranda grounds, protesters were arrested, and the opposition presented injured individuals, including minors, alleging that they had been shot by the police.

In a concerning incident, a journalist from African Censored was reportedly arrested by plainclothes police officers while covering the protest in Nairobi’s Kayole area. Kalvin Rock was later released.

The city of Kisumu, a stronghold for Odinga and the opposition, witnessed the lighting of bonfires in various locations, including the bus terminus.

Anti-riot police were deployed to the area, forcibly dispersing the crowd. As a result, main roads remained blocked, and businesses shuttered for the day.

In Mombasa, on the coast, protesters were arrested after igniting bonfires that blocked the road leading to the Port of Mombasa. Subsequently, pro-government protesters marched towards the opposition demonstrators, but police intervened and dispersed both groups.

In response to the escalating violence, the government ordered the closure of schools across the country as a precautionary measure.

The Wednesday protests were triggered by the opposition’s determination to compel President William Ruto to repeal the recently enacted Finance Bill, which imposed additional tax burdens, leading to soaring living costs.

The government argues that the fuel and housing levies, expected to generate an additional 200 billion shillings ($1.4 billion) annually, are necessary to address growing debt repayments and fund job creation initiatives.

However, the opposition decries the tax hikes, pointing to their detrimental impact on the poor. Under President Ruto’s administration, the price of basic commodities has significantly increased, fueling public discontent.

These latest protests follow similar demonstrations earlier this month, which escalated into violence as police deployed tear gas and, in some cases, live rounds against the crowds.

At least 20 people lost their lives, and hundreds were arrested during those clashes.

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The foreign diplomats acknowledged the daily hardships faced by many Kenyans and urged all parties involved to address their concerns through meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully, with the ultimate goal of nation-building and preventing further loss of life.

The statement emphasized the readiness of the international community to support the parties in finding constructive and peaceful solutions to the challenges facing Kenya.

“We stand ready to support the parties in their efforts to find constructive and peaceful solutions,” they concluded.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Raila Odinga, in a statement released by his One Kenya Party known as Azimio La Umoja, 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 believes that these protests will serve as a significant turning point for the nation.

However, the Kenyan government has declared the planned demonstrations by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Opposition Coalition as illegal, setting the stage for another potential clash between the police and protesters on Wednesday. The previous week’s violent protests called by Odinga resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 20 civilians and the arrest of over 300 people, including an opposition lawmaker.

The police have faced criticism for their heavy-handed response, including the use of tear gas against civilians, with reports even emerging of tear gas being deployed within a school setting.

The growing tension between the government and the opposition raises concerns about the potential escalation of violence and its impact on Kenya’s stability.

The international community’s call for peaceful dialogue and constructive resolutions echoes the urgent need for all parties involved to engage in productive discussions and find common ground for the betterment of the nation.

As Kenya braces for the upcoming protests, all eyes are on the government’s response and the actions of both protesters and law enforcement agencies, with hopes that a peaceful resolution can be achieved without further loss of life or destruction of property.

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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.

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Supporters of the opposition coalition, known as Azimio la Umoja or the One Kenya Coalition Party, vented their anger against the government, prompting a heavy-handed response from the police, who employed tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowds.

The protests were ignited by opposition leader Raila Odinga, who vowed to overthrow President William Ruto’s government.

In Nairobi, the capital city, clashes erupted between the police and protesters, resulting in the vandalism of parts of the recently constructed expressway that links to the airport.

This led to hundreds of stranded motorists, while reports from local television indicate that at least one person was feared dead and another injured as police confronted demonstrators, who set fire to a police vehicle on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway.

In Kisumu, protesters lit bonfires on major roads, causing a disruption in public transportation, with passengers left stranded.

As the turmoil unfolded, businesses in major cities remained closed, as business owners feared for their safety amidst the escalating violence.

Reports from various hospitals indicate that at least seven people were shot dead and more than a dozen injured across the country as the police resorted to using live ammunition to quell the protests.

Responding to the chaotic situation, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki denounced the demonstrations that spiraled out of control in various parts of the country.

Kindiki warned that all individuals involved, both directly and indirectly, would face legal consequences for their actions.

“The Government has tonight mobilized all the law enforcement agencies of the State and the institutions of our country’s criminal justice system to conclude investigations urgently and proceed to the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the planning and execution of the crimes committed today, including those who funded or otherwise aided or abetted the offenders,” added Kindiki.

However, opposition leader Raila Odinga remains resolute in his determination to continue the demonstrations, demanding that President William Ruto listen to their grievances to prevent further unrest.

Odinga emphasized the need for dialogue, stating during a late Wednesday press conference, “This time around there is no moving on until Ruto shows a readiness to listen and respect the people. People deserve a deal and not bullets or teargas.”

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