Good morning,
The government has allegedly withdrawn the security details of Azimio leaders ahead of protests slated to run for three days from Wednesday, July 19, to Friday, July 21.
This comes amid sensational claims from the opposition that there is a sinister plot to harm Azimio leader Raila Odinga during the protests.
The government reportedly recalled all security officers assigned to Raila, Narc Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua and Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka, on Monday, July 17, just two days before the planned demonstrations.
According to Citizen TV, four Nyanza governors, Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, James Orengo of Siaya, Prof. Anyang Nyong’o of Kisumu and Ochilo Ayacko of Migori, all have also had their security withdrawn ahead of the countrywide three-day mass demonstrations.
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi also alleged about 50 MPs allied to the opposition outfit have had their security withdrawn.
President William Ruto had vowed to stop protests by all means, arguing they are aimed at destroying the property of innocent Kenyans and derailing his agenda.
However, this has not derailed Azimio’s plan with Raila maintaining that the planned protest on the three days is on and that Kenyans should brace for a game-changing demonstration.
Do you think the move by the government to withdraw the security personnel of Azimio leaders is justified? Could there be a sinister plot to harm any of the leaders, especially, Raila Odinga?
Here are the stories making headlines on Opera News this morning:
Three Demands That Raila Allegedly Wants To Call Off Demos
With only hours to the start of major protests in the country, close Ruto ally Dennis Itumbi has now dropped some interesting revelations about Raila’s meeting with MCAs in Mombasa.
Taking to various social media platforms Itumbi alleged that all Azimio MCAs on the coast were going to receive 8m to facilitate the said demos.
“This Will be Deadly” Commander Warns Ahead of Demos
Following reports that President William Ruto has instructed Kenya Kwanza’s affiliated members of parliament to curb demos at the grassroots, a police commander has predicted what might happen as a result of severe mobilization.
As relayed by a report covered in Tuesday’s People Daily publication, a police commander who didn’t want to be named claimed there is much mobilization at the grassroots by politicians, and therefore it might be deadly.
Uhuru Faces Investigations for Allegedly Funding Demos
Investigations are currently examining whether former President Uhuru Kenyatta had any involvement in recent anti-government protests. While he was in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, for a peace meeting, Azimio protests resumed last Wednesday.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga called for nationwide demonstrations against the high cost of living and the Finance Act of 2023.