Thursday Protests On: Azimio Reveals New Rally Points!
The Azimio la Umoja Coalition has invited its supporters in Nairobi to gather on Thursday, July 20 at Huruma, Kangemi, and Central Park Grounds for a peaceful protest.
This comes just hours after Raila Odinga asked his followers to end the protests at 5 p.m., rest, and resume the next day.
The coalition’s co-principal, Martha Karua, issued a message on Wednesday evening urging its followers to turn up in huge numbers and exercise their constitutional rights.
“We urge Kenyans to come out in force tomorrow and peacefully demonstrate in their neighborhoods.” People will gather in Nairobi at Huruma Grounds, Kangemi Grounds, and Central Park (CBD). Those who were unable to participate today for various reasons will have another chance tomorrow and the day after. “We anticipate that the Police will provide security to demonstrators and the general public,” she says.
Karua has also criticized police use of disproportionate force and live bullets against protesters, claiming that demonstrators are peacefully opposing harsh taxes.
“Unfortunately, and in typical fashion, the police have today inflicted terrible harm on peaceful and unarmed protesters.” We sympathize with families whose loved ones were killed by rogue elements in the police force. We also wish those who have been injured and are being treated in various hospitals across the country a speedy recovery.”
Previously, Kaura had sought the release of roughly ten Azimio allies who had been arrested or kidnapped since Tuesday, July 18 evening.
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“These illegal arrests and/or kidnappings are a desperate attempt by the illegitimate Ruto Regime to paralyze Azimio and its top leaders, as well as sabotage the exercise of our constitutional right to peaceful protest.” We demand that those detained be released immediately, recognizing that their imprisonment is not just harmful but also illegal. If that had not been the case, they would have been hauled to the nearest court and charged right away.” Her statement is as follows.
She also accused the government’s security forces of employing excessive force against demonstrators in Mathare, Kibra, Embakasi, Kamukunji, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kisii, Kisumu, and other areas around the country.
“As previously stated, we remind the police that each officer will be held individually accountable for these unlawful acts.” Our lawyers have been given instructions to take the required legal steps.”
Embakasi East MP Karua was arrested on Tuesday evening, according to Karua. Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga and Kilifi Speaker Teddy Mwambire were also detained in an unknown location.
According to Karua, members of the coalition’s allies in the Nairobi County Assembly, including Wilfred Odallo (Mabatini MCA), Redson Onyango (Ngei MCA), and two budget officers from the same county, Erick Otieno and Anthony Otsula, were detained.
She also revealed that Raila’s bodyguards, Maurice Ogeta and Denis Onyango, had been arrested.
However, according to media accounts, Ogeta had been released by the time this piece was published.
Thursday Protests On: Azimio Reveals New Rally Points!
