Sonko to Raila: For Muslims’ sake, suspend Azimio demonstrations
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has urged the Azimio La Umoja one Kenya Coalition leader Mr Raila Odinga to consider suspending nationwide demonstrations.
The Azimio leader announced that they would demonstrate twice a week to push for the attention of their raised issues, including the need to reduce the cost of living.
This comes as the Muslims in the country start observing the holy month of Ramadhan on Thursday.
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Deputy Chief Kadhi Sheikh Sukyan Hasan announced the start of their holy month after the moon was sighted in parts of the country, including Mandera, Wajir and Tana River Counties.
According to the former Governor, the ongoing protests against President William Ruto’s government will insult the Muslims in the country.
“Kindly allow me with all due respect to beseech you to show some respect to our Muslim brothers and sisters who will be observing the holy month of Ramadhan some starting today and others tomorrow,” Sonko said.
He claimed that several Muslim leaders surrounding the former Prime Minister might not be confident to ask him so since they value politics rather than religion.
“Some of the Muslims politicians associated with you value politics rather than religion and will not tell you about religion.”
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The former governor stated that during the holy month of Ramadhan, all Muslims worldwide need peace because they are required to go to the mosque and pray five times a day, and demonstrating in the streets will interfere with their prayers.
“Hon. Former Prime minister, apart from maintaining peace and praying, they’re also abstained from eating, drinking, and having sexual relations from before the first light of dawn until the setting of the sun.”
Also, Sonko said that Muslims should show love to the poor and engage in charity instead of making them suffer due to the effects of protests.
On Wednesday, a section of Azimio leaders presented their petition to the Nairobi Police Regional Commander Mr Adamson Bungei, informing him about the planned demonstration.
However, the Police Commander said the letter was presented to the wrong office,
Mr Bungei said Azimio needs to present the letter to the Officer Commanding the Police Station (OCS) of the area where they expect to stage their procession next week.
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