Raila Calls off Kamukunji Rally, Asks Ruto to Address Real Issues

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has declared he will not back down from protests until President William Ruto addresses the issues at hand. 

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Mr Odinga announced the cancellation of the Kamukunji rally due to intelligence that police planned to use live bullets on peaceful protesters. He reported that some of their staff had been attacked and arrested on the Kamukunji grounds. Raila insisted that the demonstrations have always been peaceful, but the police involvement has always led to injuries and possible deaths. 

"Yesterday night, we received intelligence of a very heinous plan by Kenyan Kwanza to ferry goons who would attack peaceful attendees of our rally in Kamukunji. These goons had express order to shoot directly to the crowd while enjoying police protection," Raila said. 

The Azimio leader highlighted that on Monday and Tuesday, when he had interacted with citizens in the Central Business District and Kenyatta Market, no issues had arisen as police had not interfered. Finally, he emphasised that the protests would continue until the President addresses the Finance Act 2023. 

"We have always said that these meetings remain peaceful until the police decide to break them up with bullets and teargas," Raila added. 

Mr Odinga said that the President should cease meddling in other political parties. He added that Kenyans are fed up with false pledges by the Kenya Kwanza administration. On Tuesday, President Ruto called on the opposition to desist from the protests saying that their actions will counteract his development agenda. The Head of State was speaking while presiding over the delivery of title deeds in Embakasi.