Maandamano: Raila Celebrates Historic Milestone By Reaching Nairobi CBD

Raila hailed the youth for supporting him throughout the protests held during the Saba Saba day.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jul 7, 2023 - 14:49 Updated: Jul 7, 2023 - 14:53
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Maandamano: Raila Celebrates Historic Milestone By Reaching Nairobi CBD
Raila Odinga speaks after reaching the Nairobi CBD during the Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2023. /AZIMIO TV

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga on Friday, July 7 celebrated reaching the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) for the first time after nearly four successive failed attempts during the anti-government protests.

Speaking to the media at the Jaramogi Foundation after a two-hour-long procession from Kamukunji Grounds, Raila hailed the youth for supporting him throughout the protests held during the Saba Saba day.

His convoy who had followed him from Kamukunji grounds made it possible for him to manoeuvre through the capital city despite resistance from police officers and vehicles in his convoy damaged as a result.

Raila Odinga inspecting damage sustained on his car during his march to Nairobi CBD on July 7, 2023. /TELEGRAM

The former Prime Minister termed his entry into the CBD as a big achievement for Azimio during the Friday protests.

"The youth have impressed me, they have done great work. The police were lobbing teargas and you were returning, and then they stepped back. Some wanted us to turn back but the youth said we must proceed. When we got to the Racecourse roundabout the police had erected a barrier and lobbed teargas until they ran away and we got into town.

"It is a huge achievement, for the first time we got to town, we reached KICC where they didn't want us to enter and we passed and got to Central Park," Raila narrated.

The former Prime Minister emphasized that they would not give up on the demonstrations meant to force President William Ruto's government to scrap off some sections of the Finance Act of 2023.

"They should know that there is no turning back at this point. We will continue with the demonstration up until when our demands shall be met," Raila declared. 

Raila earlier urged his supporters to reach Central Park in the CBD by any means necessary. He also cautioned the police against instigating violence, noting that no businesses were destroyed despite having a procession throughout Nairobi. 

Protesters had engaged police in running battles along University Way, Uhuru Highway, Kenyatta Avenue and Moi Avenue as anti-riot police sprayed the demonstrators using water canons as tear gas fumes filled the area.

Earlier, police were forced to scamper for safety as the Azimio Saba Saba procession successfully forced its way through the first police barricade set up to block their exit from Kamukunji grounds. Raila's motorcade was heavily teargassed with multiple rounds of live bullets fired in the air.

The CBD was a no-go zone as the heavily armed anti-riot police officers prevented motorists and pedestrians from getting access to the city, with those who attempted to force their entry into the CBD being teargassed while others were arrested.

Aerial view of police officers using water canons and teargas to disperse protesters in Nairobi CBD on July 7, 2023. /VIRALTEAKE

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