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Azimio Leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday, July 26, rejected the olive branch extended to him by President William Ruto warning that the Head of State was not sincere and could not be trusted. 

Speaking during an interview with Al Jazeera at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, Raila wondered why the Head of State opted to reach out to him via social media instead of formal channels.

"The President is not being serious. If he wanted to meet with me he would not have sent an invite through social media. 

"He knows my address and telephone number and everything. He is basically just playing games. That is like his public relations exercise," the former Prime Minister remarked.

President William Ruto (left) and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (right) at separate events.

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ODM

The Azimio leader firmly asserted that President William Ruto had frustrated Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu's efforts to mediate between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza, despite being in the country on the government's invitation.

"I mentioned yesterday that two weeks ago, the President of Tanzania Suluhu Hassan, came here to Kenya at his invitation and she spent two days here wishing to bring us together," he reiterated.

Raila revealed that after Suluhu arrived in Kenya, she was kept waiting by the Kenya Kwanza side, which subsequently led to her returning to Tanzania. Raila indicated Azimio was willing to engage in the talks.

"If he was serious in terms of negotiations, that was the time that we would have met and started this conversation," he added. 

Raila has intensified his criticism of Ruto's purported willingness to engage in sincere discussions. He dismissed the president's move to appoint representatives for bipartisan parliamentary talks as merely cosmetic, raising doubts about Ruto's commitment to the process. 

Raila questioned why Ruto failed to pursue the bipartisan talks after Azimio withdrew from the discussions.

Raila posed that the anti-government protests were geared at waking Ruto up from his political slumber. Ruto has in the past indicated that the Kenya Kwanza government has fixed the country's economy, claims which economic experts and the opposition have dismissed.

Raila's comments came one day after Ruto, in a tweet, said he was willing to meet Raila to end the current political impasse that has caused tension in the country.

During the interview, Raila maintained he was not interested in getting a share of the government. The opposition leader though indicated he was willing to partake in serious talks for betterment of the country. 

A photo collage of President William Ruto (Left), Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu (Centre) and Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga (Right).

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Azimio la Umoja Coalition has postponed its upcoming countrywide protests slated for Wednesday, July 26.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga-led coalition instead directed its supporters to light candles in honour of colleagues who lost their lives during past protests.

Azimio estimates that at least 50 deaths were recorded during the protests while hundreds of other people are still admitted to hospitals after sustaining injuries.

"Azimio has made the decision that on Wednesday, rather than go to the streets for a peaceful demonstration as earlier announced, we will hold solidarity parades and vigil for victims of police brutality in various locations in all parts of the country.

A photo collage of Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga (Left) and a protest in Kisumu (Right).

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"We are calling Kenyans to come out and light candles and lay flowers in remembrance of and respect for the victims," read the statement in part.

The opposition directed its supporters to light candles, lay flowers, say prayers, and read out the names of the individuals it claims were victims of police brutality.

"We have visited hospitals and morgues and we have established that police and hired gangs have shot and killed or wounded scores of people at close range," added the statement

The postponement came a few hours after Interior CS Kithure Kindiki promised to deploy police officers as early as 1:00 am to apprehend protesters caught stealing or destroying infrastructure.

The CS emphasised that the police deployment done in the previous week was a warm-up to the plans laid out for the coming protests.

"Two Wednesdays ago, we wanted to see if Kenyans can conduct peaceful protests. But three hours later, a lot of damage was done in various parts of the country and by the time we deployed police, it was too late.

"That is last week. We decided we are not going to the same criminals to do the same. We will remain firm," he told the press on Monday.

In an earlier statement read by former Murang'a County Governor Mwangi wa Iria, Azimio noted that it was ready to hold protests again but reduced the number of days from three to one.

That was after Amnesty International confirmed that over 30 people had lost their lives in the hands of the police since the protests began in March 2023.

Anti-riot Police officers clear a road that had been blocked by protesters in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.

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Ma3Route

The office of Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah was raided by unknown people on the night of Friday, July 21, the veteran activist has confirmed.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on phone, the senator revealed that the unknown individuals ransacked the office and made away with computers and other electronics. 

He stated that despite reporting the matter to the police, no action has been taken and law enforcement is yet to find any leads. 

"I reported the incident on Saturday, July 22, but yet nothing has been done," a distraught Omtatah remarked noting it was his Busia office at Korinda that was targetted. 

Lawyer and Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah on June 18, 2023.

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Okiya Omtatah

The Senator has in recent days criticised the government over some policy positions including filing a petition challenging the legality of the Finance Act.

The Act has since been suspended by the courts, saving Kenyans from tax hikes that would have seen employees' payslips shrink and buyers spend more on some commodities. 

Omtatah remarked that it was not immediately clear whether the raid was linked to his stand on Finance Act or recent policy positions on government actions. 

The first-term senator did not reveal the contents of computers and other electronics that were picked from the office, but it is likely that they contain files and communications on his work as a legislator and human rights activist.  

The break-in comes at a time when the Kenyan government has been put on the spot for a perceived clampdown on key position opposition figures and people seen as going against State's will. 

Omtatah recently told the public that he was offered up to Ksh200 million as a bribe to withdraw the petition against the Finance Act. 

"I have told them, my price is one, if you cannot govern vacate the office for those who can govern," the Senator was quoted. 

Omatatah has not publicly stated whether he has been threatened over his stand and case on the Finance Act, but on Sunday he posted on his social media pages alluding to possible threats from the government side. 

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. 1 Peter 3:14," the activist posted. 

On Thursday, July 18, Chief Justice Martha Koome appointed a three-judge bench to hear and determine the petition on the Finance Act.

A photo of the Court Bench

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The Judiciary of Kenya

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has confirmed that the raid on President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta's son's home was conducted by the police. 

Kindiki, in a statement released on Friday night, July 21, stated that the operation targeted three homes in the affluent neighbourhood, including Jomo Kenyatta's. 

Police reportedly sought to establish whether weapons, including firearms and crude weapons which were used to fuel violence during violent riots, were supplied by a wide network of civilian firearm holders and leaders of known criminal gangs.

"Today afternoon, an operation has been going on targeting three homesteads within the Karen area where a total of 23 firearms, some of which are suspected to have been used in illegal activities are kept.

An image of the Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki at a past event.

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Ministry of Interior

"Today's operation is part of a broader operation targeting scores of firearm holders who are reasonably suspected to be availing firearms not only for purposes of supporting violent protests but also for other illegal activities," Kindiki claimed. 

He added that civilian firearms and crude weapons were credibly suspected to have been used to harm law enforcement personnel and civilians alike during the violence that has been experienced recently.

"While the Police have intensified their crackdown on the criminal gang leaders who have been commanding criminals to reign terror on the public, the law enforcement agencies have rolled out a nationwide operation, pursuant to their mandate of regulation, control, and management of civilian firearm holders to ensure that those licensed to possess weapons abide by the relevant laws," Kindiki stated.

The CS further emphasised that the raid was necessitated by the arrest of a prominent individual who was accused of planning to distribute crude weapons to criminals during the last three days of violent protests. 

Intelligence reports alleged that the said individuals were planning to wreak havoc on the public to create fear and panic, allegations which are yet to be backed by concrete evidence other than Kindiki's statement. 

Police reportedly seized 14 machetes, 24 swords, 46 rungus, and over 300 sachets of assorted narcotic drugs, including cannabis sativa and cocaine. 

"Also found with him, were documents describing the distribution of Ksh42 million across Nairobi, Central, and Rift Valley regions. The operation will proceed to cover civilian firearm holders in Nairobi and other parts of the Country, who may be using the weapons in their possession to jeopardize our national security. 

"The operation is purely of a security nature and neither its politicization nor sensationalisation will deter law enforcement agencies from ensuring that the Country remains safe and stable," the former Tharaka Nithi Senator added. 

In defence of the raid, the CS cited the Firearms Act (CAP 114) of the Laws of Kenya which he argued authorizes security agencies to inspect premises where firearms are kept and requires civilian firearm holders to produce them for inspection and ballistic examination where it is reasonably suspected that such firearms or ammunition may have been used or expended outside the law.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta outside his son's house in Karen on July 21, 2023

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Govt Defends Police

While speaking in Murang'a County during Ruto's Mt Kenya tour, Kimani Ichungw'ah, the National Assembly Majority leader, claimed that suspects shot at the police who were quelling riots in Kangemi, Nairobi.  

His statement coincided with Kindiki's, as they both alleged that the lives of police officers were endangered during the nationwide protests. 

"We extend our gratitude and praise to our dedicated security forces for their great efforts in protecting the peace, lives and properties of peace-loving Kenyans during a period when criminals, under the guise of picketing, posed a threat to our democratic, economic, and social fabric," Ichungw'ah, who doubles as Kikuyu MP stated. 

President Ruto further praised the police and promised to defend them against critics.

Uhuru Vows to Protect His Family

Meanwhile, on Friday night July 21, Uhuru rushed to his son's home after the latter made frantic calls, cautious of his safety. 

The fourth president complained that the government was hellbent on targeting his family members in an effort to intimidate him.

He questioned why the officers went to his son's house at night in vehicles with foreign number plates and failed to present a search warrant.

The former head of state further vowed to protect his family even if the current regime decides to withdraw all their security details.

Police officers on Friday, July 21 raided the residence of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's eldest son Jomo Kenyatta in Karen, Nairobi County.

Speaking outside the home, Uhuru disclosed that his son had urgently contacted him, reporting the arrival of Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers in Subarus with Sudanese number plates. The officers had allegedly attempted to forcefully enter the premises. However, Uhuru advised his son to refrain from allowing them access.

Moments after, Uhuru showed up at the residence and expressed his dissatisfaction with the government's obsession with targeting his family. 

" From my understanding, the police do not use foreign number plates, they have a warrant, they show their case and produce the warrant that allows them to do what they want to. I was in the office and I told him not to open the gate. I am now here and now they have left," he narrated.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta outside his son's house in Karen on July 21, 2023

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"I leave this incident to the law, what do you want with my children, they removed their security now they want to strip them of their weapons," the Azimio chairperson stated. 

"Do whatever you want to do, but do not harm my mother. If these are illegal weapons, then tell the world, but they are licensed, so what is the issue? Uhuru questioned.

The former head of state emphasised he will do whatever it takes to protect his family even if the current regime withdraws security attached to all his family members. 

"I am not demanding any security from them, if they want they want to recall all of them, let them do so," he added.

"Do not think you can intimidate an old woman, children, and grandchildren to intimidate me, if you want me, come, I have not run away. Your people know where I am all the time but leave the children alone," Uhuru dared Ruto.

Uhuru dismissed the allegations that he is funding Azimio's protests stressing that he peacefully handed over power. 

"Is it a crime to associate with Raila? It is my democratic right to support whoever I want. Why intimidate a 90-year-old woman or children? On my association with Raila, am I not supposed to talk to my friends," he posed.

Uhuru further questioned Kenya Kwanza politicians' obsession with bringing him up in its woes despite his pin-drop silence since handing over power last year.

He urged the government to deal with the issues Kenyans have raised like he did when he was in power. Uhuru further advised the new regime to avoid looking for scapegoats and listen to the people.

Mama Ngina

The government's decision to raid the younger Kenyatta's residence came two days after, the security team attached to Mama Ngina Kenyatta was withdrawn without prior communication.

Although the security was restored one day later, the withdrawal was seen as a power move to force the powerful Kenyatta family into pressuring Azimio leader Raila Odinga to call off the ongoing anti-govt protests.

Mama Ngina, a former first lady, is widely considered to be deeply influential in the Kenyan political landscape owing to her deep pockets and vast political network.

Ruto Tiff

President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Kenya Kwanza politicians have repeatedly accused Uhuru of funding Azimio demonstrations, claims which Uhuru denied.

"I want to tell my friend Uhuru, to stop funding Raila to stage demonstrations. You have been a president before, be a gentleman. We supported you when you were Head of State, you supported Raila but we still defeated him, stop funding him,” Ruto stated when he made a stopover in Mai Mahiu town in Nakuru County on July 14.

President William Ruto receives instruments of power from his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Kasarani Stadium

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Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, has announced the resumption of studies in primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

Machogu, on Wednesday, July 19, noted that the government was confident of the safety of the children despite ongoing countrywide demonstrations, which Azimio la Umoja assured supporters will continue unabated.

The decision to re-open schools was based on an accurate assessment of the situation and the ability of the police to guard students and the general public against possible threats as a result of the ongoing protests.  

"On July 18, 2023, the Government took the precautionary measure of ordering all-day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu Counties to remain closed on July 19, 2023.

President William Ruto addresses candidates at Joseph Kang'ethe Primary School in Kibera, on day 2 of the KCPE and KPSEA exams on November 29, 2022.

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"As indicated, the measure was meant to ensure the safety of school children, based on the credible intelligence that criminal elements were intent on engaging with security agencies around certain schools.

"The Government has now undertaken an evaluation of the current security situation in various parts of the country, including in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu Counties," Machogu stated. 

Machogu and his Interior counterpart, Professor Kithure Kindiki explained that the continued closure of schools would significantly jeopardise the national academic calendar. 

"The relevant security agencies have established that the security situation in the three Counties, and in other parts of the country, has been restored to normal. 

"On the basis of the evaluation, it is hereby directed that all day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu Counties re-open for normal school activities on July 20, 2023," Machogu stated. 

The two Cabinet Secretaries also assured children that no one would be allowed to interfere with the studies. They also warned Azimio la Umoja protesters not to try going close to the school, noting that they would face the full force of the Law. 

"The Government has taken adequate measures to guarantee the safety and security of learners and their schools across the country," Machogu assured. 

On Wednesday, July 19, former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga asked his supporters to resume anti-government protest on Thursday morning, as planned. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Philip Etale, Orange Democratic Movement's Communication Director, acknowledged the effort of demonstrators who technically paralysed economic activities in the country.  

"The directive is in line with the Constitution which stipulates that protests should end at 5 pm," Etale stated.

Raila Odinga arrives at Kamukunji Grounds on January 23, 2023.

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Raila Odinga

Update 9:46 pm: Schools in Kisumu are also shut down pending the assessment of the city's security. 

The government on Tuesday, July 18 ordered all day schools in Nairobi and Mombasa counties to be shut down ahead of this week's anti-government protests called for by the Azimio coalition. 

In a joint statement, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and his Interior counterpart Kithure Kindiki announced the decision has been informed by intelligence reports indicating criminal elements intended to unleash terror around certain schools within the two cities.

"As a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of school children, it has been decided that ALL day Primary and Secondary schools within Nairobi and Mombasa cities SHALL remain closed tomorrow," read part of the statement.

A photo of Interior CS Kithure Kindiki during a meeting with security and local administration officials in Mandera County on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

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Kithure Kindiki

The Ministry of Education is expected to announce the resumption of learning in the schools upon assessment of the security situation in the course of tomorrow.

It is still not clear whether the opposition will be on the streets for all the three days, and the action that the State plans to address the disruption that could have far-reaching consequences. 

The directive does not affect schools in other regions, including some that have witnessed violent protests like Kisumu and Kisii.

The last round of protests saw learners stranded as police engaged demonstrators in running battles.

In Kangemi and Nakuru, security forces lobbed teargas in schools, affecting learners who were in classes. In Kangemi, some pupils were hospitalised following the incident.

The government has condemned the acts of disrupting learning activities by subjecting the students to unnecessary chaos as police and protesters engaged in running battles in major cities across the country.

On January 14, Machogu called for more security personnel to be deployed in the learning institutions to avoid such cases from reoccurring.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu speaking to the press during his visit to Mukumu Girls High School on April 14, 2023.

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Ministry of Education

Azimio La Umoja on Friday, July 14, announced that it has stepped up anti-Ruto protests to three days next week from July 19 due to public demand.

In a statement, Azimio led by veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga called upon its supporters to step up the pressure against President William Ruto's government.

The coalition claimed that they have received "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," read part of the statement.

Protesters engage police officers in running battles in Kisumu on Friday, July 7, 2023.

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Kisumu New Hub

On Thursday, July 13, Raila emphasised that the peaceful protests will continue until the administration lowers the cost of living among other demands.

While addressing the press, the opposition assured their supporters that the protests would carry on despite the handline position from the government side. 

Azimio also promised to advance financial help to the families of people who were killed in the last round of protests this week. 

The opposition also vowed to take legal action against what they termed as police for the extra-judicial killings.

"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," read part of the statement.

The opposition has accused the government of hiring goons dressed in police attire to attack peaceful protesters across the country.

Ruto has argued that Raila with the financial backing of former President Uhuru Kenyatta is attempting to sabotage Kenya's struggling economy. 

The President insisted that the government will not bow to the pressure from the opposition, adding that they are working to improve the life of Kenyans. 

Ruto's remarks came just a day after Interior CS Kithure Kindiki stated that they would arrest anyone involved in the destruction of property on Wednesday, July 12. 

"The Government has tonight mobilised all the law enforcement agencies of the State and the institutions of our country's criminal justice system to conclude investigations urgently and proceed to the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the planning and execution of the crimes committed today, including those who funded or otherwise aided or abetted the offenders," Kindiki stated. 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki making a speech in Garissa County on Friday, June 2, 2023

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Ministry of Interior

Azimio La Umoja, on Thursday, July 13, alleged that former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya was arrested in link to anti-government protests that crippled the country on Wednesday, July 12. 

In a press briefing at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, former Defense CS Eugene Wamalwa condemned the police for what he claimed was an arbitrary arrest.

The opposition demanded the immediate release of those arrested and asked for charges levelled against the former governor to be dropped. 

"Among those in police custody is Mavoko MP Patrick Makau and as we speak we have just learnt of the arrest of Oparanya. We demand the immediate and unconditional dropping of all charges against these two for participating in a constitutionally protected action," Wamalwa stated. 

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga leading Saba Saba demonstration in Nairobi County on July 7, 2023.

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Raila Odinga

"Across the country, families are mourning their loved ones who are victims of the police force. Tens of people have been hospitalised with gunshot, arrow and panga (machetes) wounds. 

Some victims, he claimed, were young schoolchildren who did not participate in the demonstrations. 

"Hundreds have been detained in police cells or arraigned in court for participating in protests that our constitution protects," Wamalwa stated while reading Azimio's statement.

The former Defense CS also castigated police officers for using excessive force to quell the Wednesday, July 12 protests. 

"We condemn the senseless brutality and state-sanctioned violence of civilians by police which is becoming the new normal in Kenya. We are deeply concerned about the repeated brutality against innocent Kenyans."

While announcing the way forward, Wamalwa declared that protests would continue on Wednesday, July 19, despite opposition and the warning issued by President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. 

Azimio and its supporters will also observe five days of mourning in honour of Kenyans who lost their lives during the mass protests.

"We are going for individual responsibility, especially against police commanders. We will also take five days to help families mourn their loved ones," read the statement in part.

While echoing his statement, Azimio leader Raila Odinga confirmed that they would convene meetings on Wednesday with or without the police approval. 

A photo of Raila Odinga speaking to the press flanked by top Azimio leaders at SKM Centre on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

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Azimio

Azimio La Umoja party leader, Raila Odinga, cancelled his much anticipated Wednesday, July 12 Kamukunji Rally after accusing the police of injuring protesters.

The former Prime Minister added that goons were also sponsored to vandalise property to pin the blame on the opposition, claims that Kenyans.co.ke could not independently verify. 

However, the nationwide protests, according to the opposition leader, will continue until President William Ruto repeals sections of the Finance Act 2023. 

"We have witnessed savage attacks on our supporters by police officers who discriminately shot, injured and killed a number of people across the country, including here in Nairobi," Raila stated. 

He also accused President William Ruto of targeting the protesters who stood up for their rights. 

"Where we have reached, it's only good to note that there is no going back. We will continue to exercise our constitutional rights until when our demands shall have been met. 

Scores of protesters, he lamented, were arrested for participating in an exercise enshrined in the Constitution, slowly degenerating the country into a police state. 

"We must not allow it to happen to our country again. We have always said that these meetings remain peaceful until police decide to break them up with bullets and teargas," Raila claimed. 

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader noted that ordinary citizens were determined to shape their destiny after the Kenya Kwanza government abandoned them in their hour of need. 

While wrapping up his speech, he also acknowledged protesters who came out in large numbers to express their displeasure with Ruto's regime.  

"The message is out loudly and clearly that Kenyans are tired of new promises on top of old pledges and being ignored.

"People are tired of being told what to do and when to do it. People are tired of going to bed hungry, facing the new day hungry and returning to bed hungry. People are tired of walking from one corner of this city to another, one town to another, one office to another, trying to find, a job and finding no job," Raila advocated for change.

A police car is torched by protesters at Emali on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway on July 12, 2023.

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