Sifuna Teases 3-Day Protests: Next Week’s Showdown
On Thursday, July 13, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna hinted that Azimio la Umoja protests will be held three times per week commencing on Monday.
Sifuna stated during a talk show that plans were in full swing to conduct the demonstrations on consecutive Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
He added that the mass action would continue until President William Ruto complies with opposition demands and repeals the Finance Act 2023, a move he deemed non-negotiable.
“Starting next week, there will be three consecutive days of maandamano: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, until Ruto realizes that the people are suffering and repeals this law in the same manner he imposed it on them,” Sifuna declared.
He added that the government consistently ignored the plight of many Kenyans, who cannot afford essential goods because of the high cost of living.
Therefore, the senator from Nairobi advised President Ruto to reduce the cost of living, lest Kenyans unite against his regime.
“I am ordering the government to cease talking and begin arrests. The government must realize that Kenyans are furious with them. “Had Ruto listened to Kenyans, the unrest would not have occurred.”
ALSO READ: Kenya’s Fear of ‘Kenya Kwanza’ No More – Sifuna
“This government will have no one to call to the table if Kenyans lead the demonstrations,” he continued.
Sifuna explained the rationale behind the weekly demonstrations by stating that the Azimio coalition had adopted a new strategy of shifts to enable more individuals to participate in the mass action.
“We have heard from some Kenyans who were unable to attend maandamano because we scheduled it on a day when they were unavailable. We are instituting schedules so that if you are available on Monday, you can join us and allow others to demonstrate on Tuesday and Wednesday each week.”
“The conclusion is that we have exhausted all of our linguistic resources, and attempted persuasion and mediation by committing to dialogue with the government, but they have refused to listen. They introduced a bill that was opposed by the majority of Kenyans, but they passed it anyway. Therefore, what we are saying is that we will continue until you heed the people,” he asserted.
After canceling the Kamukunji rally, Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio, vowed to head a third wave of protests and communicate the next course of action.
According to Raila, he responded to rumors of an impending assault at the rally. In his speech, he accused the Kenya Kwanza regime of orchestrating the pandemonium by employing thugs to disrupt the mass demonstration.
Sifuna Teases 3-Day Protests: Next Week’s Showdown
HEY READER. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS SITE BY CLICKING ADS. DON’T FORGET TO HIT THE NOTIFICATION BELL FOR MORE UPDATES AROUND THE GLOBE.