‘Kindly reconsider’ – Archbishop Muheria pleads with Raila ahead of demos
By Mary Ouko, July 17, 2023
Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria has pleaded with Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya leader Raila Odinga to reconsider his calls for anti-government demonstrations.
Speaking during Citizen TV’s JKL live show on Sunday, July 16, 2023, Muheria noted that the purpose of demonstrations should be to address concerns to the government and not to be a hindrance to the government’s ability to deliver on its mandated roles.
He, at the same time, underscored that the opposition’s role is to act as a government’s watchdog and not to ‘paralyse’ the country’s economy.
“Kindly reconsider, this is not just about sustainability, it’s about the risk we have of losing more lives. The opposition’s role is not to make sure that nothing goes in terms of the economy. It’s also not to paralyse the country. We have to get away from the script that seeks to bring the country to a halt but get to the script that the plight of issues affecting Kenyans,” he stated.
Muheria’s remarks come ahead of fresh protests scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
While addressing the press on Thursday, July 13, 2023, Raila announced that the coalition will stage more antigovernment protests which will run from Wednesday to Friday.
“We will have countrywide protests next week on Wednesday whether the government likes it or not,” Raila said.
Raila who was accompanied by other leaders allied to the Azimio faction called on Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to protest against the government’s policies such as the high cost of living, and increased taxes among other concerns previously addressed.
“We call on Kenyans to refuse to be intimidated in their own country and resist the move to turn the police into killer squads,” former Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eugene Wamalwa stated.
“There is no looking back, there’s no turning back. We will see you on Wednesday,” he added.