Raila Postpones Countrywide Demonstrations, Sets New Date

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga speaking at an event on October 28, 2022.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga speaking at an event on October 28, 2022.
Twitter

The Azimio la Umoja Coalition has postponed the scheduled demonstrations called for by the opposition faction. 

The announcement was made in a parliamentary group meeting held at the Kalonzo Musyoka Centre on Tuesday, November 29. 

According to the Raila Odinga-led coalition, the decision was made to allow the ongoing national exams to run smoothly. 

ODM Leader Raila Odinga (center) shakes hands with Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda on November 29, 2022. Looking on is the Leader of the Minority in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi.
ODM Leader Raila Odinga (centre) shakes hands with Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda on November 29, 2022. Looking on is the Leader of the Minority in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi.
Twitter
ODM

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga noted that the coalition would use the time to craft its next move in response to the various challenges facing the country. 

“Azimio La Umoja reschedules their protests from tomorrow to December 7 due to the ongoing national exams,” read a statement from the coalition. 

However, the Azimio Chief warned that the coalition would not recognize any verdict made by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) regarding the conduct of the four dissenting Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners. 

‘We will not recognize their findings. We are aware JLAC will table their report on 1st and a special sitting on December 7," Raila noted. 

Raila had on Sunday, November 27, called for national wide consultations with members of the public regarding the ongoing probe by MPs into the conduct of IEBC Vice Chairperson Julian Cherera, and commissioners Irene Masit, Francis Wanderi, and Justus Nyang'nya.

The public engagement meetings were slated to commence on Wednesday, November 30, at the historic Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi. 

His declaration came a day after President William Ruto sounded a warning against anybody intending to disrupt peace in the country.

Ruto warned that demonstrations would disrupt peace in the nation at a time when the new government was determined to embark on development projects. 

"Street demonstrations, street fights should not be part of the script in any responsible opposition unless they want to be a dictatorial opposition which I don't think that is where they want to go," Ruto stated on Monday, November 28. 

Azimio Chief Raila Odinga and President William Ruto shake hands at a apast event..jpg
Azimio Chief Raila Odinga and President William Ruto shake hands at a apast event.
  • . .