Opiyo Wandayi: We expect employers to release employees on Monday

National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi now says employees should release their employees on Monday, March 20 to allow their participation in mass action.

Speaking on Thursday, March 16, Wandayi said workers with an exception of journalists should be allowed to "exercise their national duty" on grounds that Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga declared the day a "national holiday".

"Since Monday has been declared a public holiday, all employers except the media should release their employees and allow them to participate in their national duty. We expect employers will understand," he stated.

Opiyo echoes Sifuna's remarks

His sentiments follow Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's remarks that the opposition has been forced to engage in protests since the negotiation window was closed as the government ignored their call for dialogue.

"There were certain issues that we felt were critical and the administration would address, one is the fact that Kenyans continue to feel the high cost of living the question of when the cost of unga is going to come down has always been a moving target," he said during his appearance on local media.

He added: "Unfortunately our brothers on the other side have ignored our invitations to dialogue and we are left with no option but to express our frustration through what our constitution has allowed us to use. The window for dialogue has closed because we were hoping we would discuss these issues within the time frame that we gave." 

Odinga unlawfully declared Monday, March 20 a public holiday while speaking during a political rally on Tuesday, March 14.

"I hereby declare, in the name of Azimio one Kenya Alliance, We declare that Monday, March 20 will be a public holiday.

"We do not want any kind of violence or bloodshed. It is going to be peaceful. We are only doing this because it is the only alternative that we have," Raila stated noting that the protests will be peaceful.

Raila made the announcement following a request from his 2022 presidential running mate Narc Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua.