Government on high alert over Azimio plans to call for anti-government protests over cost of living
The government is on high alert preparing to counter any unlawful act including unauthorised gatherings either in form of mass street protests or sit ins around government institutions even as the opposition plans to give way forward following the lapse of 14 days’ ultimatum to the president William Ruto led administration to address the cost of living lapsed yesterday.
A viral photo of the Azimio One Kenya leader Raila Odinga donning the ‘Jeshi ya Baba’ regalia has elicited mixed reactions on social media indicating possibility the opposition chief could make good his threat in calling people for mass demonstrations.
Raila alongside his Azimio affiliate party leaders led by Martha Karua (Narc Kenya), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party), Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni among others are expected to address their supporters today through a televised briefing.
Azimio coalition demanded the government restore food subsidies and a reduction in taxes by yesterday midnight deadline to ease the spiraling cost of living that has predisposed majority of Kenyans to go without meals coupled by harsh economic times, weakening of the shilling and ongoing drought.
Since yesterday, police erected security cordons and barricades to roads leading and around Nairobi and Kisumu State House in what is attributed to the threatened match to State House by Raila affiliated protestors.
Earlier this week, Raila said that he would make a major announcement on his next political move by yesterday, in what could see him unveil a multifaceted roadmap for his mass action plan.
Insiders say he could also call for boycott of certain products like he did in 2018.
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi reiterated that mass action will proceed alongside the people’s barazas across the country.
“We will demonstrate to this government that we have the people’s support,” he said.
Azimio leaders said last week that it will summon all its supporters to the capital city this week for a major rally in Nairobi before heading to State House to present a petition to President Ruto.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is on record vowing that he will not tolerate lives, property, businesses and livelihoods of Nairobians be destroyed through demonstrations.
The Azimio coalition has announced plans to ramp up protests across the country in order to demand a variety of issues, including lower living costs, the return of subsidies, the elimination of taxes, and reclaiming victory in the August 2022 election, which they claim was rigged in favor of Ruto despite the Supreme Court upholding his election.
“Everything has its own time. Kenyans are tired of politics; voting was already done, and the winner is in place. I will not allow anybody’s property, business, or life in Nairobi to be destroyed. Many people are going through difficult times, and we cannot allow that to worsen.” Sakaja said on Sunday during a church service at Jesus Winner Ministry.
