Azimio la Umoja coalition on Wednesday, March 22, issued a raft of new demands over police officers' conduct and uniform during the upcoming mass demonstrations.
In a letter addressed to Inspector General (IG) of Police Japhet Koome, the coalition took an issue with plain-clothed officers making arrests during the nationwide protests.
Azimio cautioned Koome against deploying plainclothes security officers in the upcoming protests scheduled for Monday, March 27 and Thursday, March 30 arguing that they will be treated as hired goons.
“We put police on notice that we will allow only uniformed police to bear arms.
“Plainclothes in arms will be dealt with as thugs and hired goons and committed to civilian arrests as allowed per the law,” the coalition warned.
Azimio further told IG Koome that the letter should suffice as formal notice of intention to hold demonstrations maintaining that no more notices will be issued in the bi-weekly protests scheduled for upcoming months.
“We are unable to submit any prescribed form as none is available in any other stations.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this is not an application for permission as none is required under Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution,” the letter read in part.
Azimio further announced a major change in how they will be tabling their grievances.
On the protests held on Monday, March 20, Azimio had planned to take a petition to State House, Nairobi, a move that has since been disregarded for subsequent demonstrations.
“We intend to submit petitions to County Commanders, Sub County Commanders and all other state officers countrywide as part of the processions,” Azimio announced the change of plans.
Among the issues Azimio leaders want to be addressed include high cost of living, the opening of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) servers, and the reinstatement of four IEBC commissioners.
On Wednesday, March 22, President William Ruto dismissed the demonstrations noting that his government remained unbowed despite pressure from the opposition.
"There is no reason whatsoever for anyone to stand in the way of free enterprise, disrupt businesses or sabotage economic activity or work as economic terrorists for personal selfish interests.
“Such impunity must be dealt with firmly and full accountability enforced to vindicate Kenya's commitment as a free market economy," the President stated.
On Monday, March 20, Azimio Coalition held its first countrywide protests that turned chaotic that saw over 230 protestors arrested and 31 police officers injured.
