Raila announces another round of Azimio protests next Wednesday
Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition has said the anti-government protests will resume next week on Wednesday.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has maintained that protests will happen whether the government issues a permit or not.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Mr Odinga also thanked his supporters all over the country for coming out in large numbers on Wednesday to protest against high cost of living in the country.
“We will have countrywide meetings next Wednesday whether the government likes it or not,” Odinga said.
The opposition leader faulted the police for causing chaos and mayhem among Kenyans who were demonstrating peacefully.
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“Many people died and others sustained injuries after being beaten by the police. We called for a rally in Kamukunji and there is no one’s property in Kamukunji. Yet police were using live bullets to disperse the protestors,” Mr Odinga said.
The Orange Democratic Movement party leader also dared the government to arrest him because he is not above the law.
“There is no need for intimidation. I am ready to be arrested. Ruto should also note that he is not above the law. He should stop the intimidations. Tell us if you want to kill us. This is because even you are subjected to death. Kenyans have the right to demonstrate for what is right,” Mr Odinga said.
Mr Odinga’s sentiment came even as President William Ruto reiterated that his government will not give up on protecting Kenyans and their property against Azimio la Umoja protests.
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Speaking on Thursday in Tharaka Nithi County, President Ruto asked Mr Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta to stop causing chaos and mayhem in the country.
“We will continue protecting Kenyans and their properties against destruction by Azimio. He (Raila) is known for causing chaos in government. He has contested for presidency five times and has failed in all his endeavors,” President Ruto said.
“You handshake brothers are using young people to destroy people’s properties. You don’t want us to move on and build our country. But I am telling you that we will separate ourselves from your people (Raila and Uhuru),” the President said.