Opposition leader Raila Odinga last week announced the start of peaceful mass action protests against President William Ruto’s government.
Raila said the official mass protests will kick off with a major demonstration planned for Monday, March 20 March, in Nairobi.
“Take note that on 20 March, we have a date with destiny in Nairobi. We shall stage a massive procession in Nairobi for a legitimate and inclusive government,” Raila announced.
Even before Monday, March 20, a section of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party started protests in what many say is testing the waters.
For instance hundreds of Raila supporters last week flooded the streets of Kisumu and Vihiga in Western Kenya engaging police officers in a running battle while chanting anti-Ruto songs.
The protesters carried placards that read “High cost of living”, ” Ruto Must go” and “victimization of the Cherera Four commissioners,” referring to the four electoral commissioners who either resigned or fought to remain.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, March 14, Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Owili lauded the supporters who have vowed to help Raila in his quest to reclaim his victory in the 2022 elections.
He said they will be holding more of other minor demonstrations on Wednesday, March 15, and Friday, March 17, ahead of the mega rally slated for Monday, March 20.
These, the deputy governor said will be in preparation for the mega rally which will be led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga himself.
“We as the leaders of Kisumu County will be standing with Raila Odinga in his quest to bring back this country to sanity… We will be joining the demonstrations the two minor demonstrations that will be taking place on Wednesday and Friday,” he said.
Raila launched the mass actions after the lapse of the 14-day ultimatum, which the veteran politician had issued to President Ruto to address the cost of living, open the 2022 presidential election servers and stop the process of appointing new members of the electoral agency, IEBC.
