Azimio Protesters Storm Govt Event, Chase Away Ezra Chiloba

Chiloba had started addressing the press minutes before the youth stormed the event...

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Mar 15, 2023 - 13:35 Updated: Mar 15, 2023 - 13:37
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Azimio Protesters Storm Govt Event, Chase Away Ezra Chiloba
Protestors invade the Communication Authority of Kenya event marking World Consumer Rights Day on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Complex, Kisumu County. /DAILY NATION

Ezra Chiloba, the Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) was on Wednesday, March 15 forced to flee an event in Kisumu which was disrupted by angry Azimio la Umoja protesters.

The event which was held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex in Kisumu saw the youth interfere with the World Consumers Rights Day event demanding an audience with Cabinet secretary for ICT Eliud Owalo.

Chiloba had started addressing the press minutes before the youth stormed the event, forcing him to cancel his speech as he was whisked away from the venue towards his vehicle to escape the wrath of the angry protestors.

Ezra Chiloba at the World Consumer Rights Day celebrations at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Complex in Kisumu. /TWITTER.CA KENYA

The protestors had then reportedly run towards the tents and the main stage causing panic amongst exhibitors and participants who were still at the venue. They ransacked areas that had food drinking bottles of water, juices and other foodstuffs.

Service providers scrambled to ensure the safety of their equipment including tents, chairs, and music systems as the rowdy youths shouted anti-Owalo slogans.

The protestors who were chanting “Tunataka Owalo (We want Owalo” arrived just when journalists were interviewing Chiloba on the sidelines of the forum.

Some of the delegates at the event fled for their dear lives while the protesters moved to the main dais where some panel discussions were going on.

Kisumu Central DCC Hussein Hussein who had earlier received a notice from the protestors arrived at the venue alongside other security officials to ensure the participant's safety. However, local leaders led by Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili and Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron had earlier led the protestors in a march from Kondele towards the State Lodge direction.

Protestors were marching while carrying twigs, sufurias, and waving anti-Kenya Kwanza administration placards.

No anti-riot police officers were available to salvage the situation as tens of them had been deployed to guard and barricade the State Lodge, one of the key residences of the President in the country.

“To afford basic needs in Kenya is not easy. The government promised to reduce the cost of living in 100 days, but this is yet to be seen. This is why we are expressing our anger at the government agencies and officers in this manner,” said Ken Ngala, one of the picketers. 

Speaking during a political rally on Tuesday, March 14, in Siaya, Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga declared Monday, March 20, a public holiday to allow Kenyans to participate in the mass action in Nairobi.

The former Prime Minister further reiterated that the mass protests will be peaceful and not involve any kind of violence.

"We do not want any kind of violence or bloodshed. It is going to be peaceful. We are only doing this because it is the only alternative that we have," he stated.

Raila Odinga speaking during a rally in Kilifi County on March 13, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

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