Battle line have now been drawn amid anticipated clash between government and the proponents of the countrywide mass protests even as Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki dared Raila Odinga make good his threats and face full force of the law.
Yesterday, the Azimio One Kenya Coalition leader declared the official start of countrywide mass action after the lapse of ultimatum issued to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He also launched the Movement for Defense of Democracy (MDD), an initiative that is against the current regime.
He said today the protests will begin in Migori county and on March 20, 2023, they will camp in Nairobi.
“We have launched a campaign of defiance of peaceful picketing, peaceful protests, boycotts, strikes, disobedience, petitions, sit-ins and peaceful demonstrations. And it begins today and now. After we have done what we have to do, wherever we are in every corner of the country, we shall finally converge in Nairobi. Take note that on March 20, 2023, we have a date with destiny in Nairobi,” he added.” Raila said while addressing the media at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Upper Hill, Nairobi.
This follows Wednesday’s lapse of the 14-day ultimatum the Azimio leader had issued to President William Ruto to expedite the opening of the 2022 presidential election servers and address the high cost of living.
“We now declare the beginning of mass action, and announce that Ruto must go…wherever we are across the country, we shall all find ourselves in Nairobi for a peaceful protest and civil disobedience.” He added.
“I direct all security agencies to ensure that our security facilities remain protected areas and should not be allowed to become a theatre for politics or rowdy and unlawful behavior including unauthorised access. Going forward, any person regardless of their rank in society who threatens to forcibly access security facilities or intimidate officers on duty will be dealt with firmly, ruthlessly, and decisively in accordance with the law.” Kindiki warned.
Raila said they will engage in peaceful protests, peaceful sit-ins around government offices including the National Treasury to demand lowered cost of living.
