Raila to Lead ‘Mother of All Demonstrations’ in Nairobi on Monday

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga has promised what he described as the “mother of all demonstrations” in Nairobi on Monday.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Odinga appealed to his supporters to turn up in large numbers for the mass action meant to compel the government to lower the cost of living, among other demands.

"We call upon all patriotic Kenyans to come out in large numbers for the mother of all demonstrations in Nairobi on Monday and to do so peacefully," he said.

Odinga dismissed claims by a section of Kenya Kwanza leaders that he is pushing for a handshake, insisting he cannot make any pact with an illegitimate government.

"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 similarly rejected calls by the clergy to shelve the ongoing protests and seek alternative avenues for voicing his grievances.

"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. 

Odinga castigated the Communication Authority of Kenya Director General Ezra Chiloba for warning media houses covering the opposition protests.

Chiloba threatened to shut down six media houses, claiming they violated the regulator’s set standards in their live coverage of the protests on Monday. 

“The statement by Ezra Chiloba is meant to censor the media and gag media professionals. We agree with other democracies that democracy dies in darkness. This action by President Ruto is opening the full dictator playbook,” he said.

“In Azimio La Umoja, we will not allow President William Ruto to send us to dark days of yesterday.”

He insisted that the bi-weekly protests will continue until the government heeds their demands.