Raila and Karua Dare Inspector General of Police to Arrest Them over Monday’s Protests

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition leaders Raila Odinga and Martha Karua have dared Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome to arrest them during Monday’s protests.

Speaking at a church service in Nairobi on Sunday, the two vowed to lead the demonstrations on Monday, dismissing a ban issued by Koome who threatened to arrest anyone taking part in the protests irrespective of their status.

“I have heard you saying that you are going to arrest everyone. I am ready for you. Mr Koome, do not send officers, come face me yourself,” Odinga said.

“I am calling on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers for the peaceful demonstrations. Do not fear the police or the teargas.”

Odinga maintained that he will not relent in his quest to fight for justice and the rights of all Kenyans.

“We don’t want to bring anarchy to our country, but we are fighting for our rights and we have a right to tell Kenyans the truth, The Bible says say the truth and the truth shall set you free,” he said.

On her part, Karua stated that Kenyans have a right to participate in any peaceful demonstration as enshrined in the Constitution.

“I am ready and Kenyans are ready to go to the streets tomorrow. You said that you will arrest us, I dare you to arrest me during the protests,” Karua noted.

“If at all we were intimidated by anything we would have not been here planning for the protests. People have protested before and since they had unity, Kenya managed to have many parties,” she added.

Addressing the media earlier in the day, Koome said the planned demonstrations are illegal and “we will not allow them to take place.”

“We are ready as security agencies. Every corner of this country is safe and secure,” he said.