Raila Odinga Adopts New Strategy in Protests to Pressure Ruto

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga embarked on a new strategy on Friday, July 7, as he engaged in running battles with the police in Nairobi. Meanwhile, his close allies launched similar protests in various counties, aiming to mount pressure on President William Ruto.

Raila marked the Saba Saba protest in Nairobi with a rally held in Kamukunji, where he addressed thousands of his supporters. He then led the crowd in a march towards the Central Business District (CBD).

This change in tactics was evident as other Azimio principals also staged protests in their respective strongholds against the rising cost of living and perceived electoral injustice.

Former Gichugu MP and Azimio running mate in the last year's elections, Martha Karua, took to the streets in Kirinyaga County. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka led his supporters in anti-government protests in Kathiani, Machakos County, accompanied by other Wiper Party officials and elected leaders. This demonstration marked one of the largest protests in the region since the opposition launched mass action following the August 2022 General Election.

Former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Roots Party Leader George Wajackoyah also joined their supporters in protests held in Vihiga and Kakamega counties, respectively. Social media reports highlighted Likoni MP Mbishi Mboko and Migori County Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed leading a handful of their supporters in opposing the high cost of living and calling for electoral justice.

Online reports alleged that former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi was taken into police custody, prematurely ending the protests in Nyahururu.

During his address in Kamukunji, Raila accused the Kenya Kwanza regime of political party interference and failing to open election servers, which they claim would reveal the true winners of last year's presidential election. He also criticized the government for imposing punitive taxes in the Finance Act amid a challenging economic environment for millions of Kenyans.

Raila announced that the opposition would embark on an exercise to collect signatures to compel Ruto to address their demands. He stated, "Time for talks is over. We will now rely on the Constitution to decide our future. We are currently collecting signatures, which will determine our social strength and final resolve for self-determination."

Earlier, Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei had cautioned the opposition against protests in the CBD, but the leaders emphasized that peaceful protest was their constitutional right. Bungei clarified, "We have only legalized the Kamukunji meeting, and we will not allow any other meeting anywhere else. It will be a working day, and at the baraza in Kamukunji, we will provide security, and there is no cause for alarm."

Raila Odinga Adopts New Strategy in Protests to Pressure Ruto

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