Gachagua Issues Update On Withdrawal Of Azimio Leaders' Security
He complained that there were insufficient officers to deal with three days of protests
Marvin Chege 
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday, July 30 revealed that the government will reinstate the security of Azimio La Umoja Coalition leaders and allies after three months.
Speaking during a service at Alliance High School, the second-in-command revealed that the security detail of the senior Azimio leaders was withdrawn to provide reinforcements for their colleagues deployed to protect the property and lives of Kenyans during the anti-government protests.
He complained that there were insufficient officers to deal with three days of protests and that the three-month window was to keep watch of Azimio's next moves and ensure no return of street protests.
A police officer firing teargas to disperse protestors on July 12, 2023. /FACEBOOK
"Police officers were withdrawn from Azimio leaders because we needed more officers to deal with the protests. Those police officers will be on standby for the next three months until Azimio assures Kenyans there will be no more demonstrations.
"We did not have sufficient officers to deal with demos for three days. Your officers will be returned to you after three months when we are sure there are no demos," stated Gachagua.
The DP was responding to Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko who lamented that he was also affected by the move to recall his security alongside that of Azimio leaders, despite his county being pro-demonstrations.
He was opposed to violence but nonetheless witnessed his security withdrawn one evening when he was returning home, including his personal protection.
"As these things (maandamano) were going on, I went to my home one night at 8 0'Clock, and all my security was withdrawn including personal protection.
"Let us have discussions that do not create more victims than necessary. Let us have discussions that create healing and one nation for all of us," stated Ayacko.
On Monday, July 17, Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, and more than 50 Azimio MPs had their security recalled, two days before the Wednesday, July 19 protests were set to begin, as the government moved in to quell the opposition's ongoing protests over a variety of issues, including the Finance Bill 2023 and the rising cost of living.
Four Nyanza governors, Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, James Orengo of Siaya, Prof. Anyang Nyong’o of Kisumu, and Ochilo Ayacko of Migori, also had their security directed to report to Kisumu ahead of the countrywide three-day mass demonstrations.
Also affected by the withdrawal of security was Mama Ngina Kenyatta, whose security personnel guarding her homes in Muthaiga and Gatundu were recalled and redeployed.
The withdrawal forced Azimio to change their tactics of the three-day protests, with its principal Martha Karua on Tuesday, July 18 that the coalition set up three converging points in Nairobi that included Jacaranda Grounds, Joseph Kang'ethe Grounds and Kamukunji Grounds.
She further called upon Azimio supporters to come out in large numbers carrying sufurias as a way of demonstrating against the high cost of living, especially the high cost of unga.
Furthermore, motorists using Nairobi roads were advised to stop wherever they may be driving along highways and roads and hoot regularly as a show of solidarity with the mass demonstrations.
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