Ahead of the much-awaited Azimio La Umoja rally in Githurai, a dias set up for dignitaries was destroyed by unknown individuals. The chairs, covered in white clothing, were seen turned upside down, and other equipment was moved to the side. It is not yet clear why the vandalism occurred, and the opposition team is currently addressing their supporters in a baraza in Kiambu.
The rally in Githurai is the last of the ODM leader’s public baraza ahead of the planned mass action on Monday. The team is expected to mobilize supporters in Nairobi over the weekend to prepare for the mega protest, which is expected to be attended by thousands of Azimio supporters.
However, seven Members of Parliament from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have stated that they will not participate in the much-hyped demonstration called by Azimio la Umoja party leader Raila Odinga on Monday.
Addressing a press conference at parliament buildings, the lawmakers, who include Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Paul Abuor (Rongo) ,Elisha Odhiambo (Rongo), Felix Odiwuor Jalang’o (Lang’ata) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, also urged their supporters not to participate in the demos.
“We want to categorically state that we will not be participating in the planned demonstrations. We equally urge our constituents to do likewise. We encourage those who will join the demonstrations to return to their normal economic and social activities as soon as possible, especially those who engage in farming, to take advantage of the current rains to plough and plant,” Mr Omondi said.
On Monday next week, Mr. Odinga is urging people to join him in a series of protests in Nairobi to express their discontent on various issues, which include high living costs, nepotism in state appointments, the unilateral appointment of new IEBC commissioners, an audit of the 2022 General Election IEBC servers, assault on multiparty democracy, and perceived incompetence of the current regime.
