NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 28 – Azimio leader Raila Odinga has maintained that the Jacaranda rally will go on as planned.
Odinga asserted that he will not be cowed by anyone asking his supporters to turn up for the rally dubbed “No Handshake”.
The Kamukunji rally follow accusations that the results of the general election in August 2022 were rigged.
“Hatutishwi wala hatutatishwa. Tukutane Jacaranda (We are not intimidated and we will not be intimidated. Let’s meet in Jacaranda)!” tweeted Odinga.
On Monday, Odinga said he does not recognize William Ruto as president saying that he rigged the general election.
He rallied Kenyans to turn up for the rally to push for President Ruto’s stepping down.
On Friday, President Ruto stated that he will not shift his focus from delivering service to Kenyans by engaging Odinga on sideshows.
The President castigated Odinga for rallying the youth to turn up in numbers and attend the Jacaranda rally yet their children to EALA.
“They have taken their children to Arusha and they have taken their children in Kamkunji and Jacaranda to throw stones…We will not accept that,” Ruto stated.
At the same time, Gor Mahia football club has written to Azimio leader Raila Odinga requesting him to postpone the planned Sunday rallies to allow support from both clubs to enjoy the Mashemeji Derby.
Club Secretary General Samuel Ochola pointed out that the derby clash with AFC Leopards will be on the same day as the Azimio meeting.
“As our dear patron, we wish to remind you of our Mashemeji Derby clash with Afc Leopards at 3 pm at Nyayo Stadium. The same day that you will be holding consultative meeting cum demo,” he said.
“We here by formally invite you to grace the occasion.”
Ochola also asked Raila to consider rescheduling the protests to allow fans to make it in time for the derby.
“We also appeal to you to consider either rescheduling the demo or having it and in good time to enable supporters of both clubs make their way to the stadium in time for the derby,” Ochola said.