Raila Odinga, with other Azimio leaders, announced at the weekend that there will be another round of countrywide demonstrations on Wednesday, July 12, even as they revealed plans to pursue legal action over attempts on their lives.
The demonstrations in Nairobi will be preceded by a rally at Kamkunji, according to the leaders.
Alongside former Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, Odinga summarised the recently concluded Sabasaba Day demonstration and characterised it as a success.
“And come Wednesday, July 12, we’re going to have more serious demonstrations across the country,” Wandayi said.
“Today was simply the beginning of this new wave of civil disobedience and mass action.”
Odinga, who thanked his supporters for heeding his call and turning out on Friday, said: “The protest was successful nationwide”.
He added that Friday was the beginning of a struggle that would “culminate in victory”.
The former prime minister declared that the issues they had brought up, such as harsh taxes and a high cost of living, were insoluble.
Constitution-Backed Protest
He continued by saying that the Constitution guaranteed Kenyans the right to picket, demonstrate, and petition the government.
Wa Iria, for his part, claimed that the Saba Saba demos on Friday brought back memories of events from thirty years ago.
“It was a long day and a good day for Kenyans. It reminds me of what happened 30 years ago. We thought we’d taken democratic steps. But it seems we’re stuck right there. We were treated just like 30 years ago,” he said.
“We were peaceful. But we were teargassed.”
In the city centre, he said, they were confronted with live bullets.
“The police officer was hooded and looked like a terrorist. We took videos, and we’re going to pursue justice,” he narrated, adding that it was an attempt on their lives.
Azimio also stated that they had begun a petition drive to legitimise the government.
