Tension high ahead of anti-government protests in Nairobi, Kisumu
Tension is high in the capital, Nairobi and the city of Kisumu ahead of today’s planned anti-government protests by the opposition, Azimio One Kenya Coalition amid slow business operations.
Pockets of violent riotous group have been witnessed in the city including the latest burning of a public service vehicle bus along Ngong Road in Nairobi by a team of goons who threw petrol bomb inside the vehicle as the driver tried to escape.
However, the registration number of the vehicle, the identity of the driver and the conductor alongside the passengers robbed remains unknown.
And in a quick succession, they turned against the passengers robbing them indiscriminately before escaping.
Before police arrived at the scene, the vehicle was already set ablaze leaving very little to be salvaged.
Yesterday, in a tone that raised political temperatures, president William Ruto dared the opposition to engage in destructive picketing and face full force of the law but the opposition chief Raila Odinga affirmed the protests are still on beginning 6am but warned that all picketers must remain peaceful and unarmed.
“We also know what democracy looks like and what human rights are. It has nothing to do with violence, anarchy, destruction of properties and people’s businesses.” President Ruto said.
On his part, Raila said they will present petitions to the National Treasury, the Office of the President and to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“Our demonstrators have been informed that tomorrow’s protests will be peaceful. No one will carry any weapons.” Raila added.
However, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused Azimio leaders of insincerity, saying, they had been given a chance for dialogue through the bi-partisan talks but had chosen to go to the streets.
“The President has done everything possible to reach out and to encourage dialogue. Now asking the President to look the other way as people destroy properties is asking him to violate the Constitution he swore to protect.” Gachagua noted.
