Azimio Plans Fresh Protests After 30 Days

Saturday, August 5, 2023 –Former Prime Minister and Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has announced new dates when they will be resuming street demonstrations.

Speaking in Gem, Siaya County, on Saturday, August 5, during burial service of protesters, and following the pronouncement by Kenya Kenya counterparts that Azimio has demands which may not be achieved, Odinga said an un necessary attacks from the William Ruto’s side could stall talks; what could throw the opposition back on the streets.

“Tunanongea bila masharti; wao vile vile wasitoe masharti kwetu. Lakini wasipokuwa tayari kuongea na kukubaliana na sisi vile tunataka tunasema baada ya siku 30 Wakenya watachukua hatua tofauti.”

That translates to, “We are engaging without any conditions; we expect them to also stop unnecessary tantrums. If they are not ready to talk to us in a better way, let them be ready for another round of demonstrations after 30 days period,” he said.

Raila’s response coming amid claims by the government side that some issues as raised in the Azimio letter to government do not add up.

In a letter signed by National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, the Kenya Kwanza camp noted that it will not be possible for the two teams to hold the bilateral talks on Monday citing other engagements.

He also rubbished a proposal by Kalonzo Musyoka that talks should take place at Serena Hotel saying it is a mockery to the Kenyans who still believe there is an unresolved high cost of living in the country.

“I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 3rd August 2023 contents of which we duly note. However, we seek the indulgence of your team on the invitation to a meeting on Monday 7th August 2023.

“With the view of mitigating the high cost of living, we respectfully request your team to allow the two teams to schedule our meetings at public venues such as County Hall which I would be happy to engage the Parliamentary Service Commission to make available or in the alternative at the School of Government-Kabete,” Ichung’wah proposed.

The KK leaders also continued taking-on Azimio la Umoja counterparts during their first day of the five-day tour which the President has embarked on around the Region.

Ruto and fellow leaders in Government maintained that the scheduled talks will not discuss items of power sharing or auditing the last year’s general election which was won fair and square by the current head of State.

They also warned that their government will not allow anyone to go back to the destructive protests like it was witnessed in the previous anti-State demos.

Ruto, while speaking in Githurai today Saturday August 5, firmly statede that he will not be talking about opposition joining his government the way Uhuru allowed it to happen in 2018 through the controversial March Handshake with Mr. Odinga.