The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party is adamant about resuming its anti-government protests, even as President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance pleaded with the Opposition outfit that is led by Mr Raila Odinga to give dialogue a chance.
Yesterday, Mr Odinga ’s camp announced a mega rally in Nairobi tomorrow, where the Opposition will set out its agenda for the mass protests in the capital.
The coalition has planned a grand procession to welcome Mr Odinga from abroad tomorrow that will culminate in a major rally at the Kamukunji grounds in Kibra Constituency ahead of the resumption of their protests next Tuesday.
Week-long visit
The coalition announced that Mr Odinga will land at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from his week-long visit to the United Arab Emirates and proceed to the so-called “People’s Baraza” at Kamukunji.
“Mr Odinga will address the nation and give more … details on the upcoming May events in the coming days,” National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said in a statement.
“We appeal to all supporters of our quest for a just, fair and democratic nation that prioritises its citizens to turn up in large numbers and welcome [Mr] Odinga home and attend the Kibra rally,” Mr Wandayi further said.
“We further appeal to everyone attending the twin events to maintain peace and order as we have done in the past,” the Ugunja MP said. But the Kenya Kwanza co-chairman in the bipartisan talks, Tharaka MP George Murugara, urged the Opposition to treat the talks seriously and suspend its protests.
“One reason these talks were called was because of the demonstrations [led to] destruction of property, loss of lives and subdued business for our economy,” Mr Murugara said.
The legislator pointed out that the Ruto camp was ready to proceed with the negotiations once the issue of the composition of the committee is resolved.
“[The] parliamentary [route is] within the confines of the law and the Standing Orders in parliament [but] if we are [to go the] extra-parliamentary [way], we will have to find a legal basis upon which we will carry on with the talks without breaching the Constitution,” he said.
Police notified
Azimio has already notified the police of its planned protests next week. Azimio Executive Council chairman Wycliffe Oparanya has written to the Nairobi Central Police Station boss informing him of their planned processions in the city centre.
“Pursuant to Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya as read together with Section 5 of the Public Order Act, 2012, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party notifies your office of scheduled peaceful public meetings and procession to take place on Tuesday, May 2 in Nairobi City County.”
“In the course of the said meeting, we intend to submit a written petition to Harambee House, Nairobi,” Mr Oparanya wrote.
