Kalonzo Denies Pulling Out Of Monday Demos

Wiper party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka on Saturday, March 18 refuted claims that he had pulled out of the planned Monday, March 20 mass action in Nairobi by Azimio la Umoja.

Communications Lead of the Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka Command Centre, Paloma Gatabaki had flagged as fake a viral poster circulating social media platforms claiming that the former Vice President had withdrawn from the protests.

Gatabaki maintained that Kalonzo was pushing for the lowering of the cost of living alongside former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.

"Our attention has been drawn to the image circulating in social media. This is FAKE NEWS! Kalonzo Musyoka's stance is clear and unequivocal: Lower the cost of living and end electoral malpractice. No amount of intimidation will alter our stand," Gatabaki said in a tweet which Kalonzo also retweeted.

The viral poster alleged that Kalonzo had backed off from the protests for the good of his supporters.

"I would like to distance myself from protests (maandamano). My people have suffered enough under selfish individuals, and I don't want to see them fall into that trap again," the fake poster claimed. 

It was then shared on social media around the same time Kalonzo on Friday, March 17 joined Azimio in a series of rallies in Kiambu County, vowing to lead in peaceful protests to State House before presenting their demands to President William Ruto.

Meanwhile, the Jubilee Party, through Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, granted its staff a day off on Monday, March 20 to allow them to participate in the protests.

"In compliance with the Azimio la Umoja, One Kenya Alliance's leader Raila Odinga's directive, please note that Monday, March 20 is to be considered a public holiday.

"As such, our Headquarters at Jubilee House, Kileleshwa, as well as our county, constituency and ward offices, will remain closed," the internal memo stated in part.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua detailed that the government will deploy enough security within the Central Business District (CBD) during the Azimio protests in the Central Business District (CBD) across several sections to allow Kenyans to go to work and open their businesses.

He noted that the police will safeguard businesses and property across the CBD as they scuttle plans for potential violence while assuring Kenyans of their safety, urging them to continue with their daily duties as per the norm.

"Kenyans should treat those protest calls with contempt and move on with their work as usual; security agencies will provide security to ensure that hardworking and peaceful Kenyans are not disturbed and distracted. 

"It is very unpatriotic, irresponsible and immoral for any leader to call for demonstrations when the Government is working hard to stabilise the economy," read the statement in part.

In addition, police sources reported that a number of various elite squads, such as the General Service Police Unit (GSU) will be deployed during the demos, with police using intelligence sources to map out areas where there would be violence to contain the areas.

Security of key roads leading to notable institutions will also be beefed up, with reports indicating that the roads leading to the State House will be filled with a contingent of police, including roadblocks.

Police officers stationed at the Milimani Estate Road leading to Kisumu State Lodge on March 17, 2023. /TWITTER