Raila Odinga-led Azimio la Umoja coalition has announced three days of anti-government protests that will start on Wednesday this week.
Azimio said due to massive requests from all sectors, peaceful protests will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday whether the government issues a permit or not.
On the other hand, President William Ruto has vowed that the government will do everything possible to stop more violent demonstrations that have so far left scores dead and property worth millions of shillings damaged.
“Raila Odinga, I won’t allow you to seek power on the back of the blood of Kenyans. I will stop you,” he said.
Speaking to the Star on Monday, a number of Kenyans aired their views regarding the demos.
Image: KANANA JOY
John Mogaka a Matatu driver said that the demonstrations have had an adverse effect on their business.
“These demonstrations continue to affect us since our daily income relies on the availability of passengers who don’t turn up on demo days,” he said.
Mogaka adds that if Kenya Kwanza and Azimio La Umoja meet and hold peaceful discussions, things will go back to normal.
“The most important thing is for the two principal parties to sit down and agree so that normalcy is regained. But if they continue clashing people will continue to suffer.”
He however states that people have a right to demonstrate and it is through this that their needs and concerns are noticed and addressed.
“If we drivers did not publicize our intentions to strike, our needs could not have been addressed.”
Dayani Kimenchu a boda boda driver said that the demonstrations have affected him as a person and the boda boda industry at large.
“On a demonstrations day, I don’t make even half of my usual income,” Kimenchu said.
He further added that the demonstrations have no importance saying if people would demonstrate for a day and see results, then it would be termed fruitful.
Image: KANANA JOY
James Otieno, a trader who roasts maize for sale, said that the cost of living can best be addressed if the government and the opposition together find a solution.
“Instead of imposing the three-day demos, Raila should talk to Ruto and both can thereby make necessary adjustments on how to run the country.”
