Opposition confirms Friday protests, reveals rally venues
The opposition has announced the programme for anti-government demonstrations scheduled for Friday, July 21, 2023.
In a statement, the ODM party confirmed that the protests will continue for the third day on Friday across the country.
The party allied to the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition revealed that the opposition supporters in Nairobi will converge at three venues including Jevanjee Gardens in the Central Business District (CBD), Imara Daima Grounds (Embakasi South) and Kibra Kamukunji Grounds (Kibra Constituency).
The protests will start at 10:00 am.
The anti-government protests entered the second day on Thursday.
However, Azimio principals led by Raila Odinga were missing in action for the second day running.
The former prime minister said on Thursday evening that he is nursing a terrible flu. He urged his supporters to continue with the push for better living standards.
“I nursing a terrible flu but I am getting better,” he told NTV in an interview.
“I am urging my supporters to go on with the protests because tomorrow (Friday) is the grand finale.”
Earlier, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said the ODM party leader was safe amid concerns over his absence in the demos that kicked off on Wednesday.
Addressing journalists at parliament buildings on Thursday, Wandayi defended Raila's absence, saying the opposition campaign had metamorphosised into a people's movement and doesn't require Raila's presence to succeed.
“You must understand that this is now a people’s movement and doesn’t require the presence of any leader to succeed. All of us are contributing to this cause hence there’s no cause for alarm whether you see the leaders physically or not,” Wandayi said.
“Baba is very safe and is alive and kicking. When you see us here you see Baba. The protests are not his own,” he added.
Raila was last seen in public on July 12, Wednesday when he led opposition leaders in a press conference to protest the killing of at least eight protestors in various parts of the country.
Raila online presence
However, the opposition chief has maintained his online presence, encouraging his supporters to resist President William Ruto's administration and also demanding release of those arrested during yesterday's protests.
The opposition called for 3-day protests across the country to demonstrate against the high cost of living, reconstitution of the electoral commission and the raid of opposition parties by the government among other issues.
