Raila Odinga to Hold Parallel Jamhuri Day Celebrations to Intensify Anti-Gov’t Protests

• Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party accused the Kenya Kwanza government of engaging in settling political scores
• They said President William Ruto’s government had failed in their mandate to ensure no Kenyan dies of hunger
• Azimio is mulling over the possibility of holding a separate Jamhuri Day celebration in protest against the government

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party Parliamentary Group (PG) has endorsed a series of anti-government pushbacks to be launched on December 7.

According to Nation, Raila and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka chaired the meeting where the coalition discussed holding a parallel Jamhuri Day celebration on December 12 as a vote of no confidence against President William Ruto’s administration.

“The matter (of a parallel event) was indeed discussed as a follow-up to the December 7 event, but the leadership agreed to examine it and make a decision,” reported Nation on the Karen meeting.

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However, the decision to hold the parallel assembly is yet to be absolute after a section of the members argued the holiday is too important to be destabilised.

“Some leaders were, however, of the opinion that Jamhuri Day is an important national event that ought not to be destabilised,” said another source.

Jamuhuri Day is marked annually to celebrate Kenya becoming a republic on Saturday, December 12, 1964, with former president Jomo Kenyatta as the head of state.

Insensitive government

In a statement read by National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi, the coalition accused the government of being insensitive to the plight of Kenyans.

Wandayi said the government was keen on settling political scores and the 2027 elections rather than Kenyans dying of hunger.

“This is how desperate and insensitive the regime is. They are calling a special sitting, not about hunger or drought, insecurity and related issues. Instead, they are focusing on petty political scores and 2027 elections,” said the Ugunja MP.

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They called on the Kenya Kwanza administration to focus on the various issues affecting Kenyans.

“We appeal to the Kenya Kwisha administration to please focus. Focus on what really matters for Kenyans now, which is the cost of living, and not 2027 elections,” Wandayi added.

Warning against protests

Earlier, the president had cautioned the opposition against staging protest rallies, stating that Kenyans’ tranquillity enjoyed thus far was at risk.

“I want to tell our brothers in opposition to working with us. They’re free to criticise, but let’s keep the country peaceful. I want to encourage them not to drive Kenyans against one another. Street demonstrations and street fights should not be part of the script of any responsible opposition unless they want to be a dictatorial opposition, which I think they do not; that is where they want to go because it works for nobody; it doesn’t even work for them,” he said.

Source: TUKO.co.ke