Raila Turns Blame On Foreign Countries After Protests Draw AU Attention

Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, hit out at foreign countries in a change of tune towards the international community for the chaos and mayhem witnessed during the coalition demonstrations on Monday, March 27.

Speaking to the media, the former Prime Minister criticised Germany for hosting President William Ruto on his latest tour, having flown out of the country on Sunday, March 26.

He poked holes at Ruto's ambitions of attracting foreign investment while accusing him of using government machinery to torment local firms.

He slammed Ruto's call for climate change by planting more trees while citing the invasion of the Northlands City project owned by the Kenyatta family which saw trees cut down and a portion of the property later set on fire.

Raila Odinga speaking during the Azimio mass demonstrations on March 28, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

"How can he go to Germany and talk about attracting foreign investment, yet back at home, he has put machinery for vicious attacks on local investments? 

"On climate change, how does Ruto sanction the setting of trees on fire and wants to convince us he is mitigating climate change and real growth? Why do foreign leaders and businesses entertain such a conflicted personality," he alleged.

Azimio principal, Martha Karua, called out international powers for the silence on their matter and why they were yet to rebuke the incidents of invasion of Northlands City and Raila's East Africa Spectre Limited gas plant along Mombasa Road.

"We note the overwhelming silence of our international friends and the conspicuous silence of brutal Ruto, who, after planning the dark Monday attacks with his people, quickly jetted out of the country. He must be held responsible for yesterday's destruction, mayhem, arrests, injuries and loss of life.

"We condemn acts of thuggery and destruction unleashed on the Kenyatta's Northlands farm and the Odinga family business, East Africa Spectre Limited. We callout high-ranking Government officials starting with the principal assistant of Ruto, Rigathi Gachagua, Kimani Ichungwa and others who issued threats of yesterday's attacks which were actualised in violent operations with the apparent connivance of the police," Karua weighed in.

It is worth it to note that this is the second time the Azimio coalition is laying siege to the international community, having previously condemned foreign countries on similar grounds.

“We remind the international community that Azimio is pursuing the ideals of democracy and human rights that many of them purport to hold dear.

“The people of Kenya are keenly watching how they will respond to Ruto's unfolding republic of fear. For our part, we will not relent, or surrender, to an illegitimate regime," Raila stated on Thursday, March 23.

This comes despite African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki expressing concern hours earlier at the violence that sparked in various counties after the Azimio protests.

African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Faki. /THE GUARDIAN NIGERIA

"The Chairperson urges all stakeholders to exercise calm and engage in dialogue to address any differences that may exist in the supreme interest of national unity and reconciliation.

"In this regard, the Chairperson wishes to recall the successful conduct of the General Elections in August 2022 in Kenya and the subsequent unanimous confirmation of the election outcome by the Supreme Court. The Chairperson reiterates the total solidarity with and support to the Government and the People of Kenya's efforts working towards national unity, peace and stability in the country," Faki stated.

Previously, the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Monday, March 21 had pleaded with the international community "to be vigilant in supporting the sanctioning of any conduct adverse to the peace and security of the country."