Raila kicks off Thursday demos in Embakasi
By Wycliffe Nyamasege, March 30, 2023
Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leaders began their anti-government protests on Thursday, March 30, with a stopover in Embakasi South.
Led by opposition chief Raila Odinga, the leaders addressed a roadside crowd in Imara Daima a few minutes past 2:00 pm ahead of a series of activities in Embakasi South and Embakasi East constituencies.
Raila maintained that the opposition rallies pushing for economic and electoral reforms would continue in various parts of the country despite a tough stance from security bosses.
“Wameleta maaskari wengi zaidi. Hata wakileta maaskari milioni moja, Azimio tutatapita (They have deployed many police officers here. However, even if they bring a million police officers, Azimio will find its way,” Raila said.
Some of the leaders accompanying Raila are Martha Karua (Narc Kenya), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), George Wajackoyah (Roots party) and Eugine Wamalwa (DAP-K).
.@RailaOdinga: Azimio imefika, asanteni sana kwa kusimamama imara, hata wakileta askari milioni moja, wakenya bado watasimama pamoja. Tumesema tunataka server ifunguliwe. #MaandamanoThursdays pic.twitter.com/G4JjIjSZ2h
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) March 30, 2023
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki yesterday accused protesters of engaging in “seriously violent, chaotic and disorderly conduct” that endangers national security.
“In Kisumu, private properties were looted and others burnt down,” he said and enumerated hotels, supermarkets, homes and a market that had borne the brunt of the violent protests in which one demonstrator was shot dead.
“The unfolding situation portends grave danger to the rule of law and the stability of our country. The violence, looting, destruction of public amenities, disruption of daily activities and invasion of private property portend real and imminent danger of our country sliding into irretrievable anarchy,” the CS in charge of internal security said, setting the tone for a ban on the protests. “Only firm enforcement of the law stands between us and lawlessness and full-blown chaos.”
Kindiki said no more protests will be allowed in the country.
“No more violent protests shall be allowed anywhere in Kenya. With or without notices, demonstrations and protests of any type which injures people, security officers, businesses and property shall be prevented at all costs,” he added.