Raila Increases Frequency Of Nationwide Protests To 3 Days A Week
The coalition led by Raila Odinga in a statement revealed that the protests will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The Azimio la Umoja coalition announced on Friday, July 14 that the new wave of nationwide protests will take place for three days next week.
The coalition led by Raila Odinga in a statement revealed that the protests will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Explaining their move, Azimio noted that public demand from various sectors of members of the public prompted the party to increase the frequency of protests to heighten the pressure against President William Ruto's government.
A police officer firing teargas to disperse protestors on July 12, 2023. /FACEBOOK
"Further to the communication issued yesterday on the Third Wave of peaceful protests scheduled to start on Wednesday next week, and following overwhelming requests from all sectors of the Kenyan Public for the need to intensify these demonstrations, the Coalition hereby wishes to announce a revision of the calendar.
"Going forward, the peaceful protests will now be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week, in line with requests from the public to include three days of activity. Let's meet on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday," stated the coalition.
Raila on Thursday, July 13 emphasized that the protests would continue until President Ruto lowers the cost of living. He asserted that the protests would go on with or without the police's approval.
Azimio and its supporters are currently observing 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," Azimio stated on Thursday, July 13.
Kenyans who were affected during the demos were further urged to submit videos and photographs to Raila's office at Capital Hill.
Anti-government protests erupted over the past week, with demonstrators taking to the streets to protest against rising taxes and the high cost of living
The protests were met with a heavy police presence, and clashes between protesters and police turning violent, resulting in the deaths of at least six people and injuries to many others.
Despite a ban on demonstrations by Police IG Japhet Koome, protesters have continued to gather in certain towns across the country
The protests highlight growing frustration among Kenyans over the high cost of living and the government's handling of the economy.