Azimio Protests Gain Momentum as Day 2 Begins: Demands Intensify and Demonstrations Spread Across Kenya

20, Jul 2023 / 2 min read/ By Livenow Africa

Day 2 of the Azimio protests started with a call from the leader, Raila Odinga, urging his supporters to continue their demonstrations in large numbers until their demands are met by the current regime. The main grievances included blaming President Ruto for policies that have led to a rise in the cost of living and the opposition's desire to be involved in the reconstitution of the electoral commission IEBC.

The protests took a toll on education as Kiboro Primary School in Nairobi's Mathare slum decided to send pupils back home due to security fears. The area had experienced incidents of insecurity as a result of the ongoing anti-government protests.

Azimio la Umoja co-principal and Narc-Kenya leader, Martha Karua, accused President Ruto of causing division in the country by allowing his supporters to protest freely while responding violently to opposition demonstrations. She pointed to counter-demonstrations by Kenya Kwanza supporters across the country as an example of this divide.

Video footage emerged showing police officers escorting Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, out of Wanguru Police Station. Babu had been held there since the previous day, and his release followed a forceful removal of his wife, friends, and relatives who had come to demand his freedom. Former Mungiki leader, Maina Njenga, was also being held at the same station with Babu.

The death toll in Kisumu rose to two after one more person succumbed to injuries sustained during the anti-government demonstrations. Four more victims were admitted to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.

In response to alleged kidnappings and detentions by the State, the Azimio la Umoja Coalition filed a petition with the High Court seeking the release of nine leaders and their associates. The petition claimed the rights of the demonstrators were being violated.

In different parts of the country, there was a heavy police presence, and arrests were made. Siaya Township Member of County Assembly, James Obiero Otare, was set to be arraigned in Siaya Law Court after being linked to violent protests in the county.

Traffic on major roads in Nairobi was relatively low as many parents kept their children out of school despite the government's directive to reopen all learning institutions. In Kisumu and Homa Bay, anti-government protesters took to the streets, with confrontations between demonstrators and anti-riot police officers occurring in some areas.

As the day progressed, protests and security measures continued, and the situation remained tense. 

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