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United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party Secretary General Cleophas Malala sent a stern warning to former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya ahead of anti-government protests in the Western region.

Oparanya is expected to lead demonstrations in Kakamega to protest against the high cost of living in the country.

But reacting to the planned demos, Malala insisted that no protests will be allowed in Kakamega town today.

The former Kakamega Senator accused Oparanya of a plot to burn the “peaceful” town.

“We shall ensure that we protect our property. I would like to tell Oparanya that we will not allow you to destroy our property. Please take your demonstrations elsewhere,” Malala said while addressing journalists in Kakamega town.

At the same time, Malala urged Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga to call off the three-day protests.

He said the opposing should give President William Ruto’s administration ample time to deliver on his manifesto.

“I would like to ask the leaders of the opposition to give the President a chance to do his job, he just assumed office the other day, he should be given a chance to do his job,” Malala stated.

Cleophas Malala: Ningependa kuomba viongozi wa upinzani wapatie Rais nafasi afanye kazi yake, yeye ameingia ofisini juzi, apewe nafasi afanye kazi yake.#NewDawn@DoriceAnkey pic.twitter.com/wq9lHLviiI

— K24 TV (@K24Tv) July 19, 2023

The ‘third wave’ of Azimio protests comes amid a warning from the police to cancel the activities.

Yesterday, the Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome outlawed the protests, saying the opposition leaders had not notified the police of the planned demos.

“The National Police Service (NPS) takes cognizance of the information circulating via the media, of planned demonstrations in various parts of the Country from tomorrow, Wednesday, July 19-21, 2023. Contrary to the legal requirements, no organizers/planners of the purported demonstrations have notified the Police of such gatherings,” Koome said in a statement.

Citing last week’s protests that left a trail of destruction of property and loss of lives, the IG termed the planned demos a threat to national security and vowed to deal firmly with any person found engaging in the protests.

“While Article 37 of the Constitution gives the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket, lessons from recent similar demonstrations that left trails of destruction of property, injuries and loss of lives, clearly indicate that such demonstrations are nothing but a threat to national security.

“In line with NPS mandate to maintain law and order; protect life and property; and preserve peace, we wish to inform the public that any demonstrations that will be held in any part of Kenya on Wednesday July 19, 2023 will be dealt with promptly in accordance with the law,” he added.

At the same time, the IG urged members of the public to go about their usual activities.

“We therefore urge all law-abiding members of public to carry-on with their daily activities, and commend all NPS Officers for their continued patriotism, selfless and dedicated service to our Country,” the IG stated.

At least eight people were killed during last Wednesday’s demos in the country. Half of the victims were shot dead in Mlolongo, Machakos County, where angry protesters engaged police in running battles for the better part of the day.