Gachagua Reveals Police Plan to Counter Raila's Mass Action Demos

A photo collage of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking at an event on March 17, 2023 (left) and police officer barricading a road (right).
A photo collage of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking at an event on March 17, 2023 (left) and police officers barricading a road (right).
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Rigathi Gachagua / NPS

Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, on Saturday, March 18, detailed that the government would deploy enough security within the Central Business District (CBD) during the Azimio la Umoja protests scheduled for Monday, March 20.

In a statement, the Deputy President indicated that officers would be deployed in several sections of the CBD to allow Kenyans to go to work and open their businesses.

He noted that the police will safeguard businesses and property across the CBD as they scuttle plans for potential violence. 

The DP also assured Kenyans of their security, urging city residents to continue their daily routines as usual.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga speaking at a rally in Kiambu County on March 17, 2023.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga speaking at a rally in Kiambu County on March 17, 2023.
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Raila Odinga

"Kenyans should treat those protest calls with contempt and move on with their work as usual; security agencies will provide security to ensure that hardworking and peaceful Kenyans are not disturbed and distracted. 

"It is very unpatriotic, irresponsible and immoral for any leader to call for demonstrations when the Government is working hard to stabilise the economy," read the statement in part.

Additionally, he stated that the government was working to assure investors that Kenya was a peaceful country. Therefore, any disruptions caused would be dealt with the full force of the late.

On the other hand, police sources intimated that a number of various elite squads, such as the General Service Police Unit (GSU), will be deployed for the demos.

It was indicated that the police were also using intelligence reports to map out areas where there would be violence to contain the plans. 

Security of key roads leading to notable institutions will also be beefed up, with reports indicating that the roads leading to the State House will be filled with a contingent of police, including roadblocks. 

Security around State Lodges such as Kisumu was already beefed up in readiness for the demos.

Raila, on his part, called on his supporters to carry a white handkerchief that will be waved during the protests as a demonstration of peace.

"We want to ask our supporters to come with white handkerchiefs as a sign of peace," he announced.

A photo collage of police officers stationed at the Milimani Estate Road leading to Kisumu State Lodge on March 17, 2023.
A photo collage of police officers stationed at the Milimani Estate Road leading to Kisumu State Lodge on March 17, 2023.
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