Muslim leaders urge Raila to suspend scheduled demos as Ramadhan begins
Raila Odinga has been urged to suspect planned demonstrations by Muslim leaders ahead of the start of Ramadhan - a holy month of worship, study of the Quran, prayer and fasting.
Ramadan occurs during the month in which Muslims believe the Quran began to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is a joyous celebration for Muslims.
Muslim leaders in the country while addressing the media urged organisers of the demonstrations to respect Muslims as it's their month of prayers.
"Tunatoa mwito kwa wale waandalizi wa maandamao waheshimu waislamu na mwezi huu kwani ni mwezi wao wa ibada," they stated.
Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims chairman Coast region Muhdhar Khatarmy Sharif said the planned demos will disrupt the peace that is already in the country and affect the economy further.
"The solution must be found to fix this situation, instead of hurting people during the process," the leaders stated
Nyali Member of Parliament Mohammed Ali, while also addressing the media, said Azimio's demos will hurt members of the Muslim community who will be observing Ramadhan.
"These actions during the holy month of Ramadhan risk causing harm to members of the Muslim community who will be observing their daytime fasting. This blessed month is time for reflection and peaceful coexistence, we urge the opposition to engage in peaceful, non-violent protests," he said.
Raila announced that the anti-government protests that began on Monday, March 20, 2023, will be held every Monday and Thursday from next week.
Speaking during a press conference at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi, the opposition chief said Monday's demonstrations held in Nairobi and several parts of the country were "immensely successful".
He said the demonstrations will continue due to public demand.
"In response to public demand, we shall now hold protests every Thursday and Monday beginning next week," Raila said.
At the same time, Raila condemned what he termed as police brutality on Azimio supporters protesting against the high cost of living in the country.
