Maandamano! Raila demands release of four arrested Azimio politicians
By Nyaboga KiageAzimio leader Raila Odinga has asked police to unconditionally release four Azimio leaders who were arrested during protests in Nairobi on March 20, 2023.
Those arrested are Senate Minority leader Stewart Madzayo, National Assembly minority leader Opiyo Wandayi, Amina Mnyazi (Malindi) and Ken Chonga, the Kilifi South Constituency MP.
They were nabbed by police officers and driven to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters along Kiambu Road, substantially for grilling.
“Plans are underway to have them spend their night in police custody for participating in an illegal demonstration,” said a sleuth who spoke to Nairobi News in confidence as he is not authorized to address the media.
Siaya governor James Orengo led a group of lawyers in an attempt to release their arrested colleagues.
Earlier, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna addressed a group of youth right outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and vowed that plans are underway to ‘liberate’ the country.
“Nataka kuwaambia wakenya wote ya kwamba safari yaukombozi imeanza (I want to tell all the Kenyans that the journey to liberate the country has started),” the senator who is serving his first term said.
He was making the address at KICC at a time when there was a huge presence of police officers.
As early as 5:30 am, security within the Central Business District (CBD) had been beefed up ahead of the anticipated march led by ODM leader Raila Odinga.
This saw many businesses operate as usual as most supermarkets and businesses opened for the day.
The National Police Service (NPS) announced that the demonstrations were illegal on Sunday, March 19, 2023.
Speaking to the press, Nairobi County police boss Adamson Bungei said that the Azimio coalition failed to inform the authorities of the planned demonstrations three days before the protest.
He said that the Nairobi business community had sent their request on Saturday, March 18, in the evening and Sunday, March 19, morning.
Also read: Maandamano! Dennis Itumbi skips court session, says life is in danger