Raila warns police against 'disrupting' planned Monday demonstrations

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga has warned the police against being used by the government to suppress his supporters during Monday’s planned march to State House in Nairobi.

The opposition leader, who finalized his Friday public rallies in Kiambu County, said he is not backing down on his stance against President William Ruto’s regime despite threats against him.

The opposition chief went ahead to urge his supporters countrywide to gather in Nairobi for what he termed as a mega demonstration.

Mr. Odinga was forced to temporarily cut short his speech while addressing a rally in Kiambu town after a teargas canister was lobbed by an unidentified person.

The Azimio coalition party leaders held the police responsible for the teargas canister, accusing them of disrupting the meeting.

“Mwambie huyo polisi ya kwamba ata afanye nini, haturudi nyuma. Siku ya jumatatu akidhubutu kuleta hiyo teargas tutaonana nay eye mundu khu mundu,” said Mr. Odinga.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said: “Yaani polisi anatupia former Prime Minister teargas? Anatupia wananchi wasio na shida yoyote teargas?”

Mr. Odinga used the opportunity to warn security officers against being used by the government to suppress demonstrators during Monday’s march to State House.

“Kazi yenu iwe kulinda Wakenya, sio kuwapiga,” said the former Prime Minister.

Azimio’s final rally that was held in Githurai went on as planned, despite destruction of the dais earlier by goons.

“Ahadi ni deni. Walisema baada ya siku 90 bei itarudi chini…Hustler Fund imefanya nini? Kazi kwa vijana mumepata? Uhuru alikuwa na Kazi Mtaani. Ruto alikuwa makamu wa rais, Baba hakuwa kwa serikali,” said Mr. Odinga.

“Ati serikali ya handshake. Ati serikali ya Ruto ni ya shareholders. Kenya ni ya watoa ushuru. Enough is enough. Wakati wa mjinga kurevuka imefika.”

The opposition leaders criticized President Ruto’s nomination of 50 Chief Administrative Secretaries (CASs) terming it a burden to wananchi who are already experiencing the effects of high cost of living.

“Jana aliteua ma CAS, mliona mama mboga huko? Wale ni hustlers?” Posed Mr. Odinga.

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua said: “Mumeona jana wameajiri CAS zaidi kinyume na sheria. Wakenya hawahitaji vibaraka mamlakani.”