Raila unveils program ahead of Tuesday’s maandamano
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga says he will lead his supporters in presenting petitions to a number of government offices including that of President William Ruto during the demonstrations primed for May 2, 2023.
Mr Odinga made the announcement in a lengthy statement released on April 30, 2023, in which he also alluded to repeated threats of his assassination reportedly from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.
Mr Odinga has in the past claimed that his official car was repeatedly shot at by Police during protests.
The petition to President William Ruto’s office, according to Mr Odinga, will be geared towards requesting him to address the cost of living.
“We shall equally present a petition to the Office of the President proving that the cost of food, fuel, electricity, and fees remain unacceptably high. We will further petition OP to desist from invading and destroying rival political parties as was attempted on Jubilee headquarters and through the auction of MPs in Parliament,” Mr Odinga’s statement read in part.
Mr Odinga said he plans to deliver another petition to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commision (IEBC) in which he will challenge the August 2022 presidential results announced by former chairman Wafula Chebukati.
Another petition will be delivered at the National Treasury on 2nd May, 2023 to petition for the immediate release of all funds owed to counties and the timely payment of salaries to all civil servants.
“We plan to visit the Public Service Commission on the day to demand that appointments to public offices be done purely on the basis of merit and inclusivity, not tribe as is presently the case. We cannot have a country of close to 50 tribes where appointments go only to members of one tribe,” said Mr Odinga.
However while addressing the media in his office on April 30, 2023, Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei announced he will not allow the protests in Nairobi.
He justified that past protests by Azimio had been violent and chaotic and therefore in as much as they are constitutionally allowed to protest, the Tuesday one will not be allowed.
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