Azimio Coalition leaders Thursday promised the biggest anti-government protests yet, appealing to supporters to turn up in large numbers on Monday- albeit peacefully.
The leaders led by Raila Odinga, Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugine Wamalwa, and Junnet Mohamed shot down suggestions of a truce between them and President Ruto and asserted that the Azimio coalition would not reach an agreement with an ‘illegitimate government
“We call upon all patriotic Kenyans to come out in large numbers for the mother of all demonstrations in Nairobi on Monday (March 27), and to do so peacefully,” Raila said.
Raila said the Kenya Kwanza government’s claims that Azimio is pushing for a handshake are unfounded and false.
“Kenya Kwanza has continued to claim that all we are looking for is a handshake. We emphatically refute this unfounded rumor. This is an insult to the intelligence of Kenyans. We will not participate in a handshake with an illegitimate regime,” he added.
He also claimed government officials have been holding meetings to plan to counter their planned protests.
He said Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua convened a meeting at his residence in Karen.
“In attendance were Kimani Ichung’wah and Ndindi Njoro. Several youths were invited and the meeting turned out to be a strategy session to counter Monday’s demonstrations,” he said.
Gachagua spoke in Muranga and said they don’t want any negotiations with the Azimio.
“The discussion we can have with Raila Odinga is to let us know when they (Raila Odinga and Former President Uhuru) will return the money that they took to Cayman Island from Kenya and not a discussion of having a handshake,” he said.
A group of Catholic bishops Wednesday appealed to President Ruto and Raila to consider dialogue as a means to end the current stalemate.
” Our answer to the clergy on our protests is found in the bible and we are looking for the truth on the election server, lowering the cost of living, canceling the appointment of 50 CAS, and reinstating ‘Cherera Four’,” Raila said.
At the same time, the opposition chief condemned the Communication Authority boss Ezra Chiloba’s directive on media covering anti-government protests, saying it is a ploy to interfere with press freedom.
He demanded that the Authority review the ‘outdated directive’
He insisted that the bi-weekly protests will continue until the government heeds their demands.
