Azimio to hold demos on Wednesday, says Kenya 'will come to a standstill'

Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has announced that it will continue with the countrywide anti-government protests on Wednesday next week, vowing to intensify the demos from what was witnessed on Friday during Saba Saba Day.

Odinga thanked Kenyans for turning up in large numbers to take part in Friday's protests saying: “We thank Kenyans and assure that mapambano itaendelea. Tutakuwa uwanjani tena wiki ijayo siku ya jumatano.”

Odinga criticized the pockets of violence witnessed during Friday's demos where he says his vehicle was damaged by live bullets fired by police.

“The people of Kenya have a right to picket, demonstrate and petition. Article 1 of the Constitution says that the sovereignty in Kenya is vested in the people of Kenya and the people can either exercise it directly or through their elected representatives,” said Odinga.

He was addressing the media at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation after the rally at Kamukunji Grounds.

Odinga's sentiments were echoed by National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi who vowed that they would relentlessly pursue their goal.

“We are going to continue with this journey and come next week, Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 we are going to have even more serious demonstrations throughout the country,” said Wandayi.

He added: “On Wednesday the whole country will come to a standstill as Kenyans of all walks of life participate in massive demonstrations in every width and breadth of the country. It is going to continue until the end…there is no stopping.”

The Ugunja MP rubbished calls by the government to have the Coalition seek permission from the police before holding the public consultations saying the police would only be consulted to offer protection for the protestors.

As for Nairobi protesters, he noted that the protests on Wednesday will be marked with yet another mega rally at the Kamukunji grounds.

“In Nairobi, those demonstrations are going to be preceded by a massive public rally at Kamukunji. The role of the police is to simply provide security to the peaceful demonstrators and assemblers and we are not giving any notice as a way of seeking permission from anybody used by all the police,” he stated.

On the collection of signatures, Odinga said the opposition would be seeking to actualize a referendum that would ultimately eject President William Ruto’s administration.

“Today we launched the movement to collect signatures from Kenyans so that they can say they are withdrawing their delegation of powers to the elected leaders,” he stated.

“The Authors of our Constitution did not put that Article in vain. We are going to revoke that article to delegitimize the regime. We will collect signatures from Kenyans and form an electoral commission to carry out a referendum to delegitimize this regime,” said Raila.