Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya Arrested- Azimio
While condemning the police for the arbitrary arrest, Wamalwa further announced another round of protests on Wednesday, July 19.
Marvin Chege 
UPDATE: Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna claimed that the arrest of former Kakamega Governor, Wycliffe Oparanya, was linked to a vehicle he was spotted using during the Azimio anti-government protests on Wednesday, July 12.
“They have nothing on Oparanya. They are claiming that the car he used during maandamano is property of the County of Kakamega,” said Sifuna.
While responding to a Twitter user, Sifuna wrote "He is out" to indicate that Oparanya has since been released.
Azimio La Umoja on Thursday, July 13 claimed that former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has been arrested.
In a press briefing at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, former Defense CS Eugene Wamalwa condemned the arrest in connection to the anti-government protests that disrupted the country on Wednesday, July 12.
"Among those in police custody is Mavoko MP Patrick Makau and as we speak we have just learnt of the arrest of Oparanya. We demand the immediate and unconditional dropping of all charges against these two for participating in a constitutionally protected action," Wamalwa stated.
Raila Odinga speaking to the press flanked by top Azimio leaders at SKM Centre on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA
The former CS further expressed remorse for the families who lost their loved ones during the July 12 protests.
"Across the country, families are mourning their loved ones who are victims of the police force. Tens of people have been hospitalised with gunshot wounds and arrows and pangas," he stated.
"Some of the victims are young school children who were not in the demonstrations. Hundreds have been detained in police cells or have been arraigned in court for participating in protests that are protected by our Constitution."
As a result, Azimio and its supporters would observe five days of mourning in honour of Kenyans who lost their lives during the mass protests.
Furthermore, the coalition revealed that it would take legal action regarding police brutality witnessed during the protests, adding that it was collecting evidence for the purpose of filing a suit.
Azimio added that they would target police officers individually in a move aimed at enhancing accountability in the police force.
"We have instructed our legal team to institute proceedings against officers who went against their mandate of protecting Kenyans. We are asking Kenyans to share photographs of police who brutalised Kenyans.
"We are going for individual responsibility. We are also going against police commanders who know the actions of the Kenyans. We will have 5 days of mourning to help the families," added the statement.
Kenyans who were affected during the demos were further urged to submit videos and photographs to Raila's office at Capital Hill.
While condemning the police for the arbitrary arrest, Wamalwa further announced another round of protests on Wednesday, July 19.
Azimio leader, Raila Odinga, backed up Wamalwa by asserting that they would convene meetings on Wednesday with or without the police approval.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced that he would take action against those who were affected by the protests, with over 312 people arrested after the protests.
