Raila declares start of countrywide mass action
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has on March 9, 2023, declared the start of mass action aimed at putting pressure on President William Ruto’s government.
During a media briefing at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF), Mr Odinga accused President Ruto of making promises he could not keep.
“We declare the official start of mass action to lower the cost of living and address the economic issues. On the other hand, over-taxation by this illegitimate regime is killing businesses. Considering these, Ruto must go,” declared Mr Odinga, who was clad in jungle-like fatigue.
The seasoned politician further noted the importation of genetically modified crops (GMOs) was a scheme to destroy the country’s economic basket.
“We launch a campaign of defiance of peaceful picketing, peaceful protests, boycotts, strikes, disobedience, peaceful petitions, peaceful sit-ins and peaceful demonstrations and it begins today and now,” added Mr Odinga.
He also urged doctors, teachers, nurses, lecturers, students, and the business community to join the peaceful demonstrations.
“It is action time, let us all come out, wherever we are to make our voices heard and respected. After we have done what we have to do, wherever we are in every corner of the country, we shall finally converge in Nairobi,” he added.
The mega peaceful demonstration will take place in Nairobi on March 20, 2023.
“Save the date.”
Mr Odinga has separately accused President Ruto of benefitting in what he claims is a rigged election.
This is not the first time Mr Odinga has called for mass action.
In 2017, he mobilized his supporters to boycott government services after former president Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the winner of the presidential seat.
He also spelled out a list of products that he asked his supporters to resist purchasing.
Mr Odinga also swore himself as the people’s president with the protests resulting to a political union with Kenyatta which was otherwise referred to as the handshake.
Present at the event was Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa and Wycliffe Opranya.
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