Tear Gas Lobbed as Goons Destroy Azimio Podium

Police lob tear gas canisters after a rally in Kiambu turned rowdy on March 17, 2023.
Police lob tears gas canisters after a rally in Kiambu turned rowdy on March 17, 2023.
Kenyans.co.ke

An Azimio la Umoja roadside rally in Kiambu was disrupted on Friday, March 17, after a tear gas canister was lobbed at the crowd.

Azimio leaders led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were addressing a roadside rally when the incident occurred.

The cause of the disorder witnessed at the rally was not yet established amid claims that there were plots to thwart Raila's planned caravan in the region. 

In his speech, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga condemned the move, maintaining that his side would remain resilient despite attempts to stop them. 

Azimio La Umoja's podium in Githurai, Kiambu County, was reportedly destroyed by youth ahead of the Friday, March 17, 2023 rally.
Azimio La Umoja's podium in Githurai, Kiambu County, was reportedly destroyed by youth ahead of the Friday, March 17, 2023, rally.
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Philip Etale

Fellow Azimio leaders also joined in condemning the tear gas incident whilst maintaining that their quest for reforms was unstoppable. 

"Tell that officer that we will proceed with our march despite the teargas and any form of intimidation attempt," Raila stated. 

Meanwhile, preparations for the Azimio la Umoja Coalition rally planned in Githurai were momentarily plunged into disarray after rowdy youth dismantled the dais. 

The unidentified persons stormed the venue moments before the Azimio caravan led by Raila arrived and scattered the seats and the main dais. 

Azimio leaders were set to hold a rally in the region after traversing several towns in Kiambu County in their sustained calls for mass action.  

However, Philip Etale, the Director of Communications at the Orange Democratic Movement-ODM party assured that the rally would continue after re-erecting the dais. 

"In Githurai, hired goons dismantled the dais. It is being set up again," Philip Etale claimed. 

Earlier in the day, a group of people purporting to be businessmen and residents of Githurai had staged protests against the planned rally.  

While brandishing their banners with anti-mass action messages, the group marched around the Githurai underpass, expressing their reservations against Azimio's call. 

The development came two days ahead of the anticipated main rally by the Azimio faction. Odinga had planned a series of rallies over the weekend in what would culminate in Monday's, March 20 date set by the Azimio la Umoja.

Azimio principals led by Raila Odinga at Jevanjee garden during the National Prayer Day on February 22.,2023
Azimio principals led by Raila Odinga at Jevanjee garden during the National Prayer Day on February 22.,2023
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Raila Odinga