Opposition leader Raila Odinga yesterday declared Monday, March 20, a public holiday to enable Kenyans join him in the march to State House even as a section of MPs allied to Kenya Kwanza warned him over his planned demos.

Speaking at the Siaya Public Baraza in the company of Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, Raila asked Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to “reclaim” the country from President William Ruto’s “failed” leadership.

 “It (public holiday) will allow our supporters who would normally go to work to join us in the rally,” Raila said, insisting that mass action was unstoppable.

Under the law only Interior Cabinet Secretary is allowed to declare a public holiday. 

Raila asked his foot soldiers at the grassroots to save him from the jaws of “crocodiles” that will be baying for his blood on the fateful day.  The former Premier added that by turning up in large numbers to join him in the march to State House, Kenyans will send a strong message that they are fed up with the Ruto administration.

“I will be waiting for you in Nairobi before we start the planned mass action. Those in power have stolen our votes and we will not be deterred by any forces keen to scuttle our efforts to get back our victory,” said Raila, warning Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to dare stop the demonstrations if “he is man enough.”

Mass protests

But speaking at Parliament Buildings, Kenya Kwanza MPs asked Kindiki to beef up security during that day.

The lawmakers termed the planned mass protests as not only primitive but unsavoury and an attempt to overthrow a legitimately elected government.

Further, they claimed that those behind the protests have done so in order to trivialise and personalise the “proper” request for funding of the office of the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Led by Tharaka MP George Murugara, the lawmakers told Kenyans not to be duped by those behind the protests as they are doing so for own interests,

“It is saddening that the country is once again being drawn into unnecessary and uncalled for political bickering by an idle and desperate Opposition that is hell bent on fanning violence at every opportunity after being beaten hands down in the last elections,” Murugara said.

He added: “We urge Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki who we know is up to the task, to ensure that peace loving Kenyans are protected from all the evils being planned by the Opposition.”

His sentiments come hardly five days after Raila announced the official start of nationwide protests against the Kenya Kwanza regime following the lapse of a 14-day ultimatum that he had issued to the government.

Raila announced that he will lead a peaceful procession of his supporters in Nairobi on March 20.

“We launch a campaign of defiance, peaceful protests and demonstrations. It begins today and now. We urge victims of the retrogressive policies of this illegitimate regime to join this political revolution. We are stronger together.