Azimio Protests Enter Day Three

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

Day 3: Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga on Thursday, July 20, asked his supporters to turn up in large numbers for the final day of the three-day anti-government protests.

The opposition has announced that supporters will gather at Jevanjee Gardens in Nairobi's Central Business District, Imara Daima Grounds off Mombasa Road, and Kibra Kamukunji Grounds.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, Raila also revealed that he had not turned up for the protests because he was down with a bad flu that had affected his health.

However, he vowed to continue with the protests until President William Ruto addresses their concerns, including reducing the cost of living.

11:35 am: Azimio la Umoja supporters stage anti-government protests in Kisumu. The demonstrators were immediately countered by anti-riot squads that were standing by.

The demonstrators gathered in Kisumu's central business district and marched through the streets, chanting slogans and waving banners. They also blocked some roads and burned tires.

11:15 am: Anti-riot police officers engage protesters in a running battle in Kibera. A group of protesters trooped to the streets and blocked roads leading out of Nairobi's CBD.

10:28 am: Self-styled ghetto president Calvince Okoth alias Gaucho claims police officers tortured him while in custody. Wants the court to compel police to take their statement on the torture.

10:15 am: Normalcy resumes in most parts of Nakuru West that witnessed violent protests on Wednesday and Thursday. Heavy police presence as law enforcement stops demonstrators from the third wave of the protests. Over 40 protesters were arrested to be arraigned in court.

10:03 am: Embakasi East MP Babu Owino released on Ksh100,000 bail.

9:50 am: Raila Odinga is this morning expected to address Azimio la Umoja protesters. He will share an update on his health and provide a way forward as Azimio la Umoja protests enter the third day.

The protests, which began on Wednesday, July 19, are in response to the high cost of living in Kenya. Raila had called on Kenyans to continue protesting peacefully until the government takes action to address the rising cost of food, fuel, and other essential goods.

In his phone call address on Thursday, July 20, Raila condemned the use of excessive force by the police against protesters.

Previously, police fired tear gas, live bullets, and water cannons at protesters in different parts of the country. There were also reports of police beating protesters.

9:00 am: Some businesses are still closed in Nairobi's Central Business District as investors anticipate another round of mass action.

Regular police officers are standing guard at strategic locations within the CBD. However, there is no heavy deployment of anti-riot police officers as earlier witnessed.

Some schools have postponed reopening to next week.

Major roads leading to the CBD have experienced light or no traffic jams.

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