Raila announces anti-Ruto protests, with major demo in Nairobi
Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga has announced the start of peaceful mass action protests against President William Ruto’s government, kicking off with a major demonstration planned for 20 March, in Nairobi, the capital.
Last Thursday the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition leader 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. He says 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 Raila 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 ofliving”, ” Ruto Must go” and “victimisation of the Cherera Four commissioners,” referring to the four electoral commissioners who either resigned or fought to remain.
