‘Raila’s bodyguard abducted’ – ODM leader’s aide says

ODM party leader Raila Odinga's private bodyguard Maurice Ogeta has allegedly been abducted.

This is according to ODM's Communications Director Philip Etale.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Etale alleged that Ogeta was abducted by unknown people in plain clothes suspected to be officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) while heading to work.

The guard is said to have been bundled into a waiting car and whisked away to unknown location.

"Unknown people in plain clothes suspected to be police officers from the DCI have abducted Raila Odinga’s bodyguard Maurice Ogeta while driving to work, bundled in him in the car boot and driven away with him to unknown destination. His whereabouts remain unknown," Etale said.

The incident comes ahead of the anti-government protests against the high cost of living in various parts of the country.

Raila, who doubles as the leader of the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition, is expected to lead the demonstrations in Nairobi.

The 'third wave' of Azimio protests comes amid a warning from the police to cancel the three-day activities.

Yesterday, the Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome outlawed the protests, saying the opposition leaders had not notified the police of the planned demos.

"The National Police Service (NPS) takes cognizance of the information circulating via the media, of planned demonstrations in various parts of the Country from tomorrow, Wednesday, July 19-21, 2023. Contrary to the legal requirements, no organizers/planners of the purported demonstrations have notified the Police of such gatherings," Koome said in a statement.

Citing last week's protests that left a trail of destruction of property and loss of lives, the IG termed the planned demos a threat to national security and vowed to deal firmly with any person found engaging in the protests.

"While Article 37 of the Constitution gives the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket, lessons from recent similar demonstrations that left trails of destruction of property, injuries and loss of lives, clearly indicate that such demonstrations are nothing but a threat to national security.

"In line with NPS mandate to maintain law and order; protect life and property; and preserve peace, we wish to inform the public that any demonstrations that will be held in any part of Kenya on Wednesday July 19, 2023 will be dealt with promptly in accordance with the law," he added.

At the same time, the IG urged members of the public to go about their usual activities.

"We therefore urge all law-abiding members of public to carry-on with their daily activities, and commend all NPS Officers for their continued patriotism, selfless and dedicated service to our Country," the IG stated.