The Azimio One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga today pitched camp in Nakuru City drumming up support for national anti-government mass boycott on Monday March 20, 2023 in Nairobi.
Raila sustained his mass action calls as he sought to marshal support trashing warning by president William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua against engaging in extra-constitutional measures as inconsequential.
“In four days’ time, we have a march on Nairobi that kicks off an unprecedented campaign of defiance.” Raila said.
He said the latest action has been occasioned by government’s failure to heed their requests including an audit of the IEBC servers and the reconstitution of IEBC in consultation with other stakeholders.
“To right these wrongs, and in line with the provisions of our constitution, we reaffirm that we have a date with destiny and shall March on and occupy Nairobi on 20th March 2023.” Said the ODM leader.
This even as he dismissed claims that the planned demonstrations were targeted to disrupt the country’s economy saying the demos will not target city traders.
Those who accompanied him including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and Roots party of Kenya leader Professor George Wajackoya said the mass action, which will include strikes and mass street demonstrations, will be sustained until the government gives in to their demands.
Raila is scheduled to hold his penultimate rally in Kiambu County tomorrow as he builds momentum for Monday’s demonstrations that continue to divide public opinion.
And in parliament, Azimio legislators have vowed to “hold responsible” President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua if Raila Odinga “catches a cold”.
Speaking during a press conference at Parliament, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said Odinga’s supporters will defend him against any threats during a protest march to State House slated for Monday.
The leaders singled out Gachagua who they accused of threatening to eliminate Odinga.
“We had him say that they have a final solution for Raila. We want the DCI to summon Gachagua to write a statement because should anything happen to Baba, Gachagua and Ruto will be responsible,” Sifuna said.
“Should he even catch a cold before Monday, we will hold them accountable.”
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said Monday remains a “public holiday” and called on employers to release Azimio supporters to allow them participate in demonstrations.
“Monday has already been declared a public holiday (sic). We want to call on our supporters to turn out in large numbers and join us in fighting for what belongs to us,” Wandayi said.
The leaders accused President William Ruto’s administration of making Kenya “a one-community nation where critical appointments to public offices go only to members of one ethnic group”.
In the recent past, Raila has been marshalling various groups as well as his grassroots political wing for mass action amid weakening political support within parliament after a section of MPs allied to his coalition shifted allegiance instead expressing willingness to work with the government of the day.
The ODM leader has continually questioned the legitimacy of the Kenya Kwanza government despite a Supreme Court ruling that dismissed his case declaring President Ruto as the legitimately elected president in the August 9th 2022 general election.
In the results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, President Ruto won the contest garnering 7.1 million votes against Raila’s 6.9 million votes.