At least two Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Members of the Nairobi County Assembly (MCAs) allied to the opposition’s Azimio One Kenya Coalition were yesterday arrested ahead of today’s national wide anti-government protests even as envoys drawn from 13 countries piled pressure for dialogue between president William Ruto and opposition chief Raila Odinga to peacefully end the heightened political stalemate.
Wilfred Odalo of Mabatini Ward and Redson Otieno of Ngei Ward were arrested yesterday afternoon while having lunch at Kuchekuche restaurant at Nairobi West in Nairobi by detectives donning in civilian wear.
The reason for arrest could not be established immediately by their colleagues in the assembly suspect it could be linked to today’s demos since they are “ardent diehards of Raila Odinga.” Our source intimated.
At the time, they were in the company of Milimani Ward MCA Moses Ogeto who doubles as the Majority Whip at the Nairobi County Assembly is said to have escaped the dragnet by sheer luck since he had gone out to answer a phone call.
Efforts to establish why the two were arrested or to which Police Station they were taken were futile.
At the same time, diplomats from the US, UK, Canada, Germany and nine other countries have expressed concern over violence and loss of life during anti-government protests in Kenya.
The 13 envoys have urged parties to resolve differences peacefully.
“We recognise the daily hardship faced by many Kenyans and urge all parties to table their concerns through a meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully to build the nation together, ensuring no further loss of life.” A joint communique read in part.
The opposition leaders have scheduled the third wave of the anti-government demonstrations for slated to run from today, tomorrow and Friday.
On the other hand, the government has maintained that no further demonstrations will be allowed.
