Raila Reveals Exclusive Way Forward
Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister, has ordered his supporters to halt the anti-government rally by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19.
The Azimio La Umoja party chairman advised demonstrators to take a break and return to the streets on Thursday, July 20.
In an interview with GossipA2Z, Orange Democratic Movement Communication Director Philip Etale applauded Raila’s instruction, underlining that the opposition will not back down in its efforts to hold the current regime accountable.
“The directive is by the Constitution, which states that protests must end at 5 p.m.,” Etale explained.
Raila welcomed the first day of the protests as a spectacular success, claiming that the administration listened to the demonstrators’ concerns.
He did, however, reject demands from religious leaders to engage in talks with President William Ruto.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) also encouraged President William Ruto to repeal the Finance Act 2023 and cut the cost of living, echoing the Azimio la Umoja coalition’s concerns.
Meanwhile, Raila spoke at an anti-government demonstration on Wednesday, July 19, after remaining silent throughout the day.
Pro-government friends, police, and his followers had anticipated him to lead the opening day of the three-day protests, which were scheduled to end on Friday, July 21.
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Government zealots claimed he had gone into hiding or had been ordered to take bed rest, claims that the former Prime Minister and his team avoided answering.
Raila, on the other hand, suffered a huge blow when the State removed his security and eventually detained his key aides, including his personal bodyguard and Spokesperson, Dennis Onyango.
Azimio la Umoja reported that at least ten more Raila-allied MPs had been arrested and taken to unknown locations.
While criticizing the purported kidnapping of the politicians, the Azimio la Umoja claimed a diabolical scheme was hatched to remove its major figures, accusations that the police dismissed as misinformation.
“The Ruto Regime’s illegal arrests and abductions are a desperate attempt to paralyze Azimio and its top leaders and sabotage the exercise of our constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations.”
“We demand the immediate release of these detained individuals, noting that their detention is not only malicious but also unlawful,” Azimio said in a statement issued on Wednesday, July 18.
Raila Reveals Exclusive Way Forward
