The anti-government demonstrations on Monday, according to lawmakers from the Raila Odinga-led Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition, were just the start of a string of similar large-scale rallies in the coming days.
The MPs who spoke to the media in front of the capital’s Parliament buildings described it as a “rehearsal,” warning Kenyans to brace themselves for additional demonstrations as the opposition keeps up the pressure on President William Ruto’s administration to pay attention to their requests.
Junet Mohamed, a member of parliament for Suna East, stated that today was simply a practice session and the real one was soon to come.
The lawmakers criticized the National Police Service’s claim that the protests are illegal, arguing that the widespread action is in the best interests of Kenyans.
“Baba himself is a human Gazette notice. If he decides that today we will be out fighting for the rights of Kenyans, then we are out there. This is not the end of it,” another MP said, adding “This is just a taste of it. We are going to do it as long as Baba says we for it.”
According to reports, parliamentarians Amina Mnyazi, Opiyo Wandayi, Ken Chonga, and Senator Stewart Madzayo of Kilifi were among those detained during the protest in Nairobi’s CBD.
The opposition lawmakers complained that the Kenya Kwanza administration had taken away their protection and blamed them for being unable to exercise their constitutional rights.
Police are utilized inappropriately. Security for senators and MPs has been removed as of right now, but we want to let them know that wananchi would still protect us even if they take away our protection, the female MP remarked.
In order to force President Ruto’s administration to address a number of issues, including the high cost of living, alleged discrimination in State posts, and alleged lack of transparency in the country’s election agency, the IEBC, Odinga organized the rally.
He had given the Kenya Kwanza government a 14-day deadline to comply with the demands last month, but it was disregarded. He subsequently started holding nationwide rallies to rally his supporters against Ruto’s rule.
The “grand march to State House,” which will begin on Monday at Nairobi’s Central Business District and end at the president’s mansion, will be calm, according to the former prime minister.
Be the first to comment