Raila: Let June 25 protests proceed, but within the law

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has called on the government to allow Wednesday’s planned demonstrations - driven largely by the country’s Gen Z - to go on as scheduled, so long as they are peaceful and lawful.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening by ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale, Mr. Odinga emphasized that the right to protest is protected under Article 37 of the Constitution, provided it is exercised within the confines of the law.

“Demonstrators, picketing and freedom of assembly are provided for in law under Article 37 of the Constitution as long as the protesters do not deviate from the provisions of the law,” read the statement.

“The law allows Kenyans to demonstrate as long as they notify the police on time and the two parties agree on the modus operandi.”

Mr. Odinga cited examples from around the world where public protests were held in an organized and structured manner, urging Kenyan protesters to follow suit.

“Demonstrations are held worldwide… in Paris (France), London (UK), The Hague (Netherlands), India and even Pakistan when Israeli forces launched missile attacks on Iran. These… were done in a structured manner that did not disrupt people's daily activities and destruction of property,” added the statement.

The former Prime Minister advised organisers of the Nairobi and countrywide protests to coordinate with the police on timing, routes, and end time.

“Notify the police of [your] actions, agree with them on what time they wish to start the demonstrations, which routes/streets to be used and the time to end,” Mr. Odinga noted, according to the statement.

“This will allow the police time to plan on how to ensure the safety of the protestors and that of other Kenyans and their property.”

Mr. Odinga said peaceful coordination between citizens and the police is key to upholding constitutional rights while preserving order.

“If this is done, there will be proper working relationship between the citizens and the police. The ODM party stands for peaceful demonstrations by Kenyans,” the statement said.

On international matters, the ODM leader expressed deep concern over the growing tensions in the Middle East, warning of a looming global crisis.

“The world is on the brink of the Third World War,” Mr. Odinga said, urging “governments across the world not to sit on the fence and take positions on the situation.”

He criticized what he termed as global silence during past conflicts.

“When Israel attacked Palestinians in Gaza last year, the world was quiet about it and lives were lost as a result and hundreds of thousands displaced,” the statement said.

Referring to the recent strikes involving Israel, Iran and the U.S., he said global inaction could prove catastrophic: “This is not the time to be neutral… neutrality may lead to a disaster happening.”

Calling for a permanent solution to the Middle East crisis, Mr. Odinga reaffirmed his support for Palestine.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right… there is need to have a permanent solution to the Middle East crisis which is to have a One Free Palestinian Territory,” he said.