Azimio la Umoja coalition has confirmed that its plan to convene at Central Park in Nairobi on the culmination of day two of the anti-government protests was a decoy to deceive police officers.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Philip Etale confirmed that they hatched a strategic tactic to keep the police officers guessing their next move.
While delivering Azimio's statement, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi urged their supporters to turn up at the Park and appealed to police officers to provide ample security.
"We commit to continue remaining peaceful whether provoked or not," Wandayi stated.
Following his announcement, anti-riot police officers planned to waylay the opposition politicians before they access the venue. Another unit was reportedly deployed to cordon off the Park and its surrounding areas.
Etale, reacting to the latest developments, stated that Azimio leaders were aware that infiltrating Central Park would have been an uphill task.
"I posted a tweet saying Harambee Avenue at 12:00 pm without providing further details. By 11:30 am, police officers were already dispatched to the area," Etale claimed.
The Communications director rallied their supporters to prepare for Friday, July 21, protests, owing to the success of the first two days.
He, however, did not clarify whether Azimio leaders will step out in full gear after missing in action on Wednesday and Thursday, July 20.
Security was beefed up across areas touted as the opposition's hotspots, including Kibera, Kamukunji, Kisumu, Jacaranda Grounds, and Embakasi.
Police helicopters were also deployed to patrol the areas to flush out protestors accused of hiding in the estates.
Azimio's third wave of demonstrations will continue on Friday, July 21, as pressure piles on President William to repeal the Finance Act 2023 and lower the cost of living.
The opposition also wants the government to desist from reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) until the two differing parties reach an amicable settlement of their dispute.
