Police begin hunting down Azimio demonstrators
The National Police Service has kicked off the process of identifying demonstrators who were captured on camera causing havoc in various parts of the country during the anti-government protests on Wednesday.
Nairobi News has established that already a special team, under the instructions of the Inspector General of Police Mr Japhet Koome, is currently trying to put names to the faces of those captured during the protests that rocked various parts of the country.
The demonstrations, which were called by Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition to push the government to lower the cost of living in the country, had been declared illegal by the police.
Mr Koome, in a statement sent to media houses on Tuesday night said that no one or no group would be allowed to hold any kind of demonstrations in the city.
Also read: Maandamano aftermath: Businesses count losses after Azimio protests
“In the interest of national security the NPS wishes to inform the public that in the absence of notifications by planners of any demonstrations and the public, police have no other option but to take necessary measures to disperse illegal demonstrations,” Mr Koome said.
However, in total disregard of the police directive, thousands of demonstrators poured out on the streets and engaged law enforcers in running battles for the better part of the day.
Mr Raila Odinga, who is the principal of the Azimio la Umoja, was to lead the demonstrations at Nairobi’s Kamukunji groups, but the rally was later cancelled for security reasons.
Also read: Raila sticks to tried and tested script in his push to ‘oust’ Ruto
Addressing journalists on Wednesday afternoon at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi, Mr Odinga told President William Ruto’s government to prepare for a third wave of the protests.
He termed the countrywide protests a success despite police brutality and an alleged plot by the Kenya Kwanza government to attack innocent Kenyans at Kamukunji grounds.
Mr Odinga said the protests were about Kenyans refusing to move on until they get a good deal from from President Ruto.
“We agree with them (the people). This time around, there is no moving on until Ruto shows a readiness to listen to and respect the people. The people deserve a deal, not bullets and tear gas,” he said.
Also read: How Raila’s Azimio pulled off ‘devolved’ maandamano across the country