Gachagua Allies Turn Pressure on Sakaja After Kisumu Bans Azimio Demos

A collage of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
A collage of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
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Rigathi Gachagua / Johnson Sakaja

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua allies on Wednesday, March 29, called out Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja over his silence regarding the Azimio demonstrations in the country's capital city.

While addressing an event in Nyeri County, Laikipia Senator John Nderitu, stated that they were keen on knowing Sakaja's stance over the demos.

They dared the county boss to follow his Kisumu counterpart - Anyang' Nyong'o - who banned demos in the lakeside county scheduled for Thursday, March 30.

"We want to tell Sakaja that we are watching him keenly. He is not condemning the demonstrations that are taking place in the city. We can see that you (Sakaja) are acting like a chameleon," he stated.

A photo of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga addressing a rally on Kibera on March 27, 2022.
A photo of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga addressing a rally in Kibra on March 27, 2022.
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Raila Odinga

The senator also called out the governor for targeting the DP after being openly criticised previously.

"Declare your stand as we want to know. When we condemn you, you usually turn around and start mentioning the name of Gachagua. The Deputy President is not in your agemate," he stated.

On his part, Mukurwe-ini MP, John Kaguchia , expressed that the Sakaja also had the power to ban the demos given that Kisumu County had also done the same.

He noted that the plans would scuttle the plans by the Raila-led faction - Azimio who has intensified his protests against the government.

"Sakaja also needs to give the orders to ban demos in the city so that they can look take their demos," he stated.

Gachagua who was present at the function refrained from commenting on the matter.

Prior to the protests, Sakaja had called on President William Ruto and Raila  to hold talks. He noted that businesses would become the most affected if the demos were to go on.

After the March 20 protests, he also called for the apprehension of those who were caught destroying property in the Central Business District (CBD).

“We saw people destroying public infrastructure and properties. They must be charged in a court of law," he stated.

A photo of Laikipia Senator John Nderitu speaking at a past event.
A photo of Laikipia Senator John Nderitu speaking at a past event.
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John Nderitu
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