By Ebi Kesiena
Kenya’s Opposition Leader, Raila Odinga, has announced the start of peaceful mass action protests against President William Ruto’s regime, kicking off with a major demonstration planned for 20 March, in Nairobi, the capital.
Last Thursday, Odinga, Leader of Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition said, he will lead the protests himself and explained that the action will involve company boycotts, strikes and sit-ins in government offices.
The five-time Presidential candidate says he wants to reclaim their stolen supreme power after the August 2022 Presidential poll.
According to Odinga he was the rightful winner, even though the Supreme Court ruled that Ruto won.
“Take note that on 20 March, we have a date with destiny in Nairobi. We shall stage a massive procession in Nairobi for a legitimate and inclusive government,” Raila announced to supporters.
This comes after the lapse of the 14-day ultimatum, which the veteran politician had issued to President Ruto to address the cost of living, open the 2022 presidential election servers and stop the process of appointing new members of the electoral agency, IEBC.
After Odinga made the announcement in Nairobi, hundreds of his supporters flooded the streets of Kisumu and Vihiga in western Kenya on 10 March, clashing with police while chanting anti-Ruto songs.
They carried placards that read “High cost of living”, ”Ruto Must go” and “victimisation of the Cherera Four commissioners,” referring to the four electoral commissioners, who either resigned or fought to remain.
Ahead of the Nairobi protest, Odinga, who maintains that Ruto’s regime is illegitimate, has embarked on a series of political rallies in various parts of the country, with calls to his supporters to join the movement.
However, President Ruto is accusing Odinga of promoting impunity, with a clear agenda to destabilise his administration.
“You will not threaten this government with demonstrations,” Ruto said, rubbishing his opponents’ demands, insisting that nothing will make him lose focus.
Ruto has always said Odinga is on a mission to force a political handshake, but Odinga denies any attempts of pushing Ruto into a political dialogue.
Though Ruto sounds unmoved by Odinga’s protests, his Security Minister, Kithure Kindiki is warning that the police will use full force on lawless opposition protesters.
“We shall deal with anyone that breaks the law,” he warned.
After Odinga’s announcement, security officers increased the number of roadblocks leading to State House in Nairobi and Kisumu amid fears that protesters might storm in.
