As a result of what it called the government’s lack of commitment to discussions, Kenya’s largest opposition party announced on Monday that it will begin protests over high living costs and alleged election fraud.
Following a request from President William Ruto, who promised to attend discussions and restructure the electoral commission, one of the opposition’s primary demands, Raila Odinga called off the opposition protests in early April.
Three marches with thousands of participants were interrupted by conflicts between demonstrators and police. Rights organisations issued a calm call in anticipation of an upsurge in racially motivated violence.
When Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims, ended on Friday, Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja (Declaration of Unity) party threatened to begin protests if no progress had been achieved in negotiations.
“Today we have come to the conclusion that as we had feared, the commitment is lacking on the part of Kenya Kwanza,” Azimio said in a statement on Monday, referring to Ruto’s ruling Kenya Kwanza (Kenya First) party.
Ruto and his party did not respond right away, however, he urged Azimio to allow him more time to revive the economy on Sunday, denouncing Odinga’s threats to resume protests.
While his supporters accuse Odinga of leveraging his followers’ discontent over rising costs to push for political concessions and a potential role in government, demonstrators have accused Ruto of poor management.
The authorities also stated that the national elections held last year were free and fair.
While claiming to be devoted to conversation, Azimio also criticised the composition of Kenya Kwanza’s negotiation team and charged that the government had done nothing to reduce the price of things like bread, fuel, power, and school fees. The next protest on May 2 would be confined to the capital Nairobi, Azimio said.