Raila To Mobilise Nationwide Protests In Nairobi

Azimio la Umoja coalition leader, Raila Odinga, has announced a mass protest set for Monday, March 20, 2023, which would see Azimio supporters stage an anti-President William Ruto procession in Nairobi.

Speaking on Thursday, March 9 during a press briefing at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi, Raila affirmed that all supporters of the coalition will converge in the capital city from across the country for massive demonstrations against the Kenya Kwanza government.

At the same time, he officially mobilised the Movement for the Defence of Democracy (MDD) which came into prominence on February 5, when Odinga unveiled the resistance movement during a political rally at Kamukunji grounds in Kibera, Nairobi.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga introducing members of Movement for the Defence of Democracy during a political rally at Amalemba grounds in Kakamega on February 25, 2023. /NAIROBI NEWS

“Take note that on the 20th of March 2023, we have a date with destiny in Nairobi.

"On that day our supporters throughout the country shall stage a massive procession in Nairobi for an illegitimate government save that date and let the action begin. The movement for the defence of democracy has now started, “Raila announced.

He further encouraged workers, doctors, teachers, nurses, lecturers, students, and the business community, whom he claimed to be victims of the policies of the KK government, to join forces with him in protest of President Ruto's government.

“We also urge the victims of retrogressive policies of this illegitimate regime including workers, doctors, teachers, nurses, lecturers, students, and the business community to join this political revolution and movement for change we are stronger together,” Raila stated.

He added, "as your leaders, we commit to fight, resist and defy this illegitimate regime side by side with you until our voices are heard and respected.”

Among the demands he wants to be met are the opening of the 2022 presidential election servers and addressing the high cost of living.

During the official launch of countrywide mass action, Raila claimed that the high cost of living in Kenya is a result of the massive looting of public resources and heartless withdrawal of subsidies to food, fuel and education by the Kenya Kwanza regime. 

"The over-taxation by this illegitimate regime is killing our businesses and damaging opportunities for investments. This must immediately stop for Kenya to economically recover. For this reason, Mr Ruto must go," Raila addressed.

He also termed the importation of GMOs by the Head of State and company as a scheme to destroy the country’s food basket and to make Kenyans slaves to American multinationals.

Raila further termed an attempt by the Kenya Kwanza regime to reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by forming a William Ruto commission as a reckless misadventure.

"The IEBC selection panel is a puppet of Mr Ruto's clique that intends to create seven Chebukatis who will aid him in stealing the 2027 elections," he went on.

He also went on to claim the contempt with which the Supreme Court treated the Azimio One Kenya presidential petition, terming it the epitome of judicial thuggery, and further claiming that the Supreme Court judges confirm Ruto’s complete judicial capture.

"Ruto is buying the legislature, influencing the Supreme Court and the sole executive decision maker. This is a dangerous dictator that must not be allowed even a single extra minute in public office. For this reason, Ruto must go," he added.