Opposition leader Raila Odinga today begins a new wave of rallies expected to culminate in another round of protest marches as bipartisan talks with President William Ruto face a possible breakdown.
Mr Odinga will lead his brigade in a public engagement at Kamukunji Grounds, Nairobi, just days after announcing plans to resume demonstrations after the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan.
His allies told the Sunday Nation yesterday that they have lined up a series of rallies as a build-up to the resumption of protests on a day Dr Ruto’s supporters threatened to pull out of the talks.
Mr Odinga has included human rights activists, faith-based organisations, student bodies, trade unions, farmers’ associations, small businesses and civil society in his plans.
The opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya alliance hopes to capitalise on the high cost of living and the financial crisis facing the country that has seen the government fail to remit county allocations and delayed salaries to civil servants.
Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
Belgut MP, Nelson Koech, said President Ruto should withdraw from the talks “and focus on protecting Kenyans’ property” if Mr Odinga insists on the demonstrations.
“There is no need for bipartisan talks if Mr Odinga is not going to keep his end of the bargain and stop harassing small business people in the name of protests,” Mr Koech said.
“We are not holding talks with bandits causing mayhem in the North Rift so why should we have negotiations with individuals harassing Kenyans and looting in Nairobi? The government must safeguard the lives of Kenyans and protect property against hooligans. Raila Odinga should recognise and respect the government of the day or face the full force of the law.”
Mr Odinga’s allies say they are going back to the people to get their views while accusing the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition of dishonesty.
