Raila Calls for Protests, Declares Monday a Public Holiday
Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Party, has declared March 20, 2023, a public holiday to allow Kenyans to participate in planned demonstrations.
Tuesday, while speaking to his supporters in Siaya County, the Azimio Chief urged Kenyans to participate in the planned nationwide mass action that aims to force the government to reduce the cost of living.
In addition to stating that the demonstrations would be peaceful, he urged participants to maintain order.
“We oppose all forms of violence and bloodshed. It will be peaceful, and I have also stated that there will be no handshakes. We are only doing this because there is no other option,” he explained.
“In the name of the Azimio one Kenya Alliance, the 20th of March is hereby declared a public holiday.”
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Martha Karua, the leader of the Narc Kenya Party, asked the former premier to make the declaration so that all working Azimio supporters could participate in the demonstrations.
She stated, “I am requesting that Raila declare that day a holiday so that we may complete this task.” We cannot continue to have election fraud every year; it must end.”
“The people must exercise their constitutional right to ensure that the person elected by the people is allowed to assume leadership of the nation. Join the rally to save this country. This fight is for the Kenyan people “Karua added.
Odinga rejected the requests of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) to postpone the protests, stating that the Kenya Kwanza government had ignored his request to reduce the cost of living.
“Through the NCCK, a group of clergy has appealed to me…
In response, I would like to inform them that the citizens of Azimio have decided to stage a protest because our ultimatum was completely disregarded “Odinga observed.
The Kenyan Constitution only permits the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior to declare a public holiday, despite Odinga’s declaration.
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