Raila Is A Human Gazette Notice- Azimio MP On Illegal Public Holiday

Azimio Members of Parliament on Monday, March 20, defended party leader Raila Odinga's unlawful declaration of a public holiday during the planned mass action protests.

Speaking outside Parliament Buildings, Nominated MP Nyakerario Mayaka affirmed that Raila himself can declare a public holiday without requiring the legal powers of the Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS), the only one who can declare a public holiday.

While lamenting alongside other MPs regarding the alleged withdrawal of their personal security detail by the government, Mayaka added that members of the public would protect them even as they engage in running battles with the police.

Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo was arrested by police officers at Nairobi CBD on Monday, March 20, 2023. /TWITTER

She further noted that Raila's influence allowed him to disrupt normal operations at will for his supporters to fight for their rights.

"Even if you withdraw all our security, the public will protect us and we will all fight for things that affect Kenyans. Secondly, they stated that when Raila declared that Monday should be a holiday, he should have done a Gazette notice. 

"Raila himself is a human Gazette notice. If he says today is a day that we are out there fighting for Kenyans for the things they deserve and we are out there. Let us join hands and fight for this country," she stated. 

On his part, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had accused the police of interfering with what was meant to be peaceful demonstrations in the country.

"We have received reports of successful demos in every part of the country. What we want to condemn is the interference of police in the exercise of what is a Constitutional right. Our maandamano was scheduled to be peaceful but we have been assaulted, and arrested."

"If you look at me, you will notice that I'm wearing a different shirt because they tried to arrest me personally. They tried to strangle me in the streets and he went away with my blue t-shirt, I want it back," Sifuna stated.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who was initially denied access to KICC, urged his supporters to prepare for more demonstrations. 

"They are using taxpayers' money. Today was just a rehearsal, the real one is coming," the legislator stated, further giving the police two hours to unconditionally release the arrested leaders.

Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino further condemned the arrest of some of the Azimio leaders, including National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi in the Central Business District (CBD) as they marched to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

"I want to condemn the arbitrary arrest of our leaders. As we speak, (National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo) Wandayi has been taken to Kiambu and we don't know what they want to do with him," stated Babu Owino.

A tough-talking Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo complained about being denied access to Central Police Station to visit her clients, Wandayi and Kilifi Senator and Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, who are currently in police custody.

"We don't want and will not allow a dictatorship in this country. I sat with Ruto in the Parliamentary Select Committee and he is the one who moved the amendment to Article 37 of the Constitution that allows picketing. We want to tell him that we will neither tire nor relent and we will continue. 

"Everybody has a right to legal counsel. I rushed to Central police station and was denied entry as their legal counsel. What do they think lawyers go to school to do? We will still push on and continue," she ranted.

Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi alongside Senator Stewart Madzayo and other Azimio leaders at Central Police Station on March 20, 2023. /FILE

In the meantime, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua asked Raila to consider calling off the anti-government protests so that people can go back to their businesses, claiming that the protests have cost the government almost Ksh2 billion.

“We want to urge these people (Azimio) to call off the chaos and mayhem this afternoon because what they are doing is destroying our economy.

“The economy had begun showing signs of recovery and we were getting a lot of affirmation from international financial players and other partners but the events that are being organized by the opposition are not good for business and the economy. We want to ask the organizers to call off the chaos so that those who did not open their businesses can go back to work,” said Gachagua while flagging off relief wheat from the World Food Programme (WFP).