President William Ruto’s close allies have revealed a raft of strategies that the Kenya Kwanza government has lined up to counter opposition leader Raila Odinga’s campaign of defiance, putting on a brave face as Azimio mass protests entered the second day.
Security agencies have been put on high alert, forming cordons around sensitive government installations to hold back protestors. The ruling alliance has also instructed its politicians to tone down verbal attacks on former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s family, to avoid cementing his bond with Mr Odinga.
People familiar with the Kenya Kwanza strategies said there are also plans to go slow on former senior state officials targeted for prosecution by the new administration, following fears that their arraignment could poison the political environment and fuel anti-government sentiments.
Some young legislators, particularly from Central, have been asked to go slow on their incessant attacks on the Kenyatta family owing to fears that a strong Kenyatta-Odinga bond could be dangerous to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
President Ruto is also considering appointing some Chief Administrative Secretaries from opposition bastions in an attempt to pacify the regions and respond to criticism that his administration was favouring just two communities that predominantly voted for him to the exclusion of other ethnic groups.
“The President is busy working on the economy. Raila and Uhuru are longing for and looking for his attention, but he is focused on the people and a working economy for the people. The Handshake duo left us in an economic hole of a huge national debt and a dysfunctional economy with corruption-laden subsidies that they are now asking the President to reinstate,” said National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa in an interview.
Mr Odinga on Thursday listed high cost of living among 15 reasons he wants Kenyans to take to the streets to “reclaim their stolen supreme power” of electing their government. “Take note that on March 20, 2023, we have a date with destiny in Nairobi. On that day, our supporters throughout the country shall stage a massive procession in Nairobi for a legitimate and inclusive government. Save the date,” he declared.
