Raila, Karua join protesters in Kawangware ahead of march to Nairobi’s CBD
By Wycliffe Nyamasege, March 27, 2023
Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga joined the anti-government protests on Monday afternoon with a stopover in Kawangware, Nairobi.
The opposition leader left the ODM party offices in Lavington at around 1:30 pm and headed straight to Kawangware, one of the slum areas in the city regarded as his stronghold.
He was accompanied by several Azimio leaders including Martha Karua (Narc Kenya), George Wajackoyah (Roots party) and former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugine Wamalwa.
In a brief roadside address, Raila called for economic reforms to address the high cost of living in the country. He also called for the opening of the electoral servers for scrutiny of the last presidential poll, which he claims he won.
Reports indicate the leaders are planning to lead the protesters to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
A similar attempt was thwarted by anti-riot police last week.
Demos banned
The National Police Service (NPS) banned the rallies yesterday over the chaos witnessed in parts of Nairobi and Kisumu last Monday.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome threatened to arrest any leader found leading protests in any part of the country irrespective of their social status.
“We have visitors from many foreign nations and we will not allow anything to happen in our capital city. Everyone has the right to go into the city centre,” Koome said.
“I have the mandate to ensure that I protect lives and property and I am very good at that. I will not sleep on the job. Whichever level or status you have in society. I have enough land cruisers to take you away to jail and be there for a lifetime.”
The police boss urged Kenyans to go on freely with their lawful businesses tomorrow and called upon the police to carry on with their work, without fear or intimidation.