Defiance, determination and teargas mark Raila’s week

Azimio leader Raila Odinga began his week on a high note with Saba Saba calls which led to what he termed an “achievement” during the demonstrations on Friday.

On Monday, Raila reiterated an earlier call to the residents of Nyanza to get ready for the mass protests.

He was speaking at a political rally at Asango in Sigomre when he reminded the people that the sovereign power belonged to them. 

“Let all and sundry come out on ‘Saba Saba’s day and say that enough is enough.”

The ODM leader said President William Ruto’s administration was heavily flawed.

“This government of Ruto is filthy and has abandoned the plight of hustlers with whom he had promised to help,” he said. 

On the same day, Raila unveiled a new dining hall at Mama Ida Odinga Secondary School in Ugunja Constituency.

He was accompanied by Mama Ida Odinga, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Siaya Governor James Orengo.

On Tuesday, the Opposition chief reaffirmed their resolve to continue with civil disobedience which is aimed at getting the Finance Act to be repealed.

Ruto signed the Finance Bill 2023 into law on June 25, 2023.

He called his supporters across the country to show up to their streets for demonstrations on Friday. 

“Therefore, we announce that our Kamukunji meeting will proceed in Nairobi this Friday, as previously announced. However, it is not only Kamukunji in Nairobi but Kamukunji gatherings throughout the country, where this third liberation will be inaugurated,” he said while addressing the press in Karen, Nairobi.

He however warned of any violence during the protests.

“We abhor violence. By embarking on pickets, protests, tax boycotts and civil disobedience, we are not in any way advocating violence,” he said.

On Friday, the Azimio brigade and their supporters met at the historical Kamukunji Grounds for the Saba Saba rally.

Raila arrived at the grounds shortly after midday after leaving Jaramogi Odinga Foundation in Upper Hill at around 12 pm.

Addressing the protesters, he unveiled a signature drive aimed at ousting Ruto.

He was the first person to sign the petition.

“I Raila Amollo Odinga will start here today. You will also get the papers to sign so that by next week we have 10 million,” he said.

He also charged his supporters to find their way to Central Park, peacefully.

“There are many ways to reach ‘Rome’, when they block one road, we use another. Today, our ‘Rome’ is called Central Park, that is where we shall meet after the Kamukunji rally,” he said.

Defiantly, Raila maneuvered the city streets and roads and managed to get to CBD but their earlier venue was heavily manned by police who had cordoned off the area with water cannons.

His supporters however did not get to the CBD after police blocked them, teargassing any who tried to force their way through.

Speaking after his convoy was allowed entry to the CBD, Raila appeared to suggest that the mission of the day had been accomplished.

“We got into the Central Based District even though the police tried to stop us. That is the biggest achievement,” he said.

He also decried that his convoy had been shot at even though they were peaceful in their match.

“We went through Ronald Ngala Road into Moi Avenue. We were actually aiming to get to KICC but they blocked us. That is where they were shooting us,” Raila said.

The former Prime Minister said that he will establish a parallel national electoral commission.

He said if the Kenya Kwanza Alliance will form a commission without involving Azimio, then that commission will belong to them.

“We have understood that Kenya Kwanza brigade wants to go ahead and form a commission on its own. We will collect signatures from Kenyans, and we will also form an electoral commission and carry out a referendum to delegitimize this regime,” he said.

This is, however, contrary to the constitutional provision that mandates the President to appoint the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission members upon recommendation by the selection panel.

The Azimio Coalition announced that it will hold another countrywide protest on Wednesday.

“We have simply notified you (police)that come next Wednesday the whole country will come to a standstill as Kenyans of all walks of life participate in massive demonstrations in every width and breadth of the country,” Wandayi read the press briefing.

He was addressing the media alongside Raila and Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria.

They pledged not to stop protesting until they are heard in their cries against the high cost of living.    BY THE STAR