3 Protests Likely To Disrupt The Country On Wednesday
If strike notices issued are anything to go by, then Kenyans will be forced to radically alter their schedules, particularly those travelling to their places of work every day
Marvin Chege 
On Wednesday, July 12, Kenyans will likely encounter a series of disruptions in normal operations as the country prepares to handle three protests, some spanning different and critical sectors.
The demonstrations, which could kick off simultaneously, are likely to interfere with the normal workings of day-to-day operations, with critics arguing that the protests stem from Kenyans' demands to the government to address the high cost of living as well as numerous taxes.
If strike notices issued are anything to go by, then Kenyans will be forced to radically alter their schedules, particularly those travelling to their places of work every day, as the protests are anticipated to cripple the transport sector temporarily.
Viral Tea takes a look at the three protests Kenyans should expect, and prepare for in advance, on July 12:
Azimio la Umoja Protests
Following the Saba Saba Day demonstrations, Azimio la Umoja through National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi announced another round of nationwide protests which will take place on Wednesday, July 12.
"And come next week July 12 (Wednesday) we're going to have more serious demonstrations across the country. Today (July 7) was the beginning of this new wave of civil disobedience and mass action," Wandayi announced.
Raila Odinga arriving at Kamukunji Grounds alongside Mwangi wa Iria on July 7, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA
Azimio leader, Raila Odinga, argued that the people of Kenya have a right to demonstrate and picket because these are rights enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya, with the protests seen as a means of continuing his act of civil disobedience. According to him, the Kenya Kwanza government was mandated to address the high cost of living and punitive taxes.
"We are, therefore, collecting 10 million signatures in order to delegitimise this regime. In response, we will carry out our own referendum in order to delegitimise this regime," he stated, sentiments which sparked criticism from the Kenya Kwanza side.
Azimio Principal Martha Karua on Monday, July 10 however argued that the collection of 10 million signatures was a tally of Kenyan citizens who supported Azimio's protests against the government and not aimed at removing President William Ruto from power, a move critics argued was a tall order.
Matatu Protests
On June 21, 2023, Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) issued a 21-day strike notice over the mandatory re-testing exercise conducted by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The PSVs, who were backed by long-distance drivers and boda boda operators, argued that the re-test was punitive and out to frustrate motorists.
"The association calls for constructive dialogue between the Ministry of Transport, the NTSA, and stakeholders to address concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions that prioritise safety while supporting driver's well-being," read part of a statement by the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LODDCA).
The PSV operators sought to be involved in the decision-making process to help in improving the transport sector. The notice expires on Wednesday, July 12.
Taxi Drivers Strike
In what could completely cripple the transport sector on July 12, taxi-hailing industry players on Sunday, July 9, announced a nationwide strike, demanding that the government, especially Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, addresses their concerns.
The leadership of the taxi-hailing services association indicated that the strike will also involve other public transport service providers, among them boda boda and matatu operators.
"There shall be a nationwide strike on Wednesday, July 12, involving everyone in the transport industry including taxi drivers, boda boda operators, matatus and other affiliate transport service providers.
"Do not try to put your car on the road. We are warning you not to try to test the waters on the day of the strike. We will take to the streets and demonstrate up until when our demands shall be met by the government," the leadership revealed.
Among the issues the taxi drivers want to be addressed include the cost of fuel, pay rates from digital companies, traffic police intimidation and insecurity.
All taxi drivers and motorists were thus advised to keep their cars off the road to avoid unpleasant encounters during the strike.
