NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 25 – Azimio leaders have protested the withdrawal of their police bodyguards ahead of Monday and Thursday street protests called by Opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Some of the leaders however, said they will not be cowed by the government’s move, instead vowing to press on with the demonstrations which turned violent on Monday last week.
Raila has vowed to lead more protests on Monday and Thursday next week to push the government to bring down the high cost of living while at the same time protesting the presidential victory he claims was stolen from him in the August 2022 elections won by President William Ruto.
Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amolo said Azimio leaders will not be intimidated by the withdrawal of their security.
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said his security was withdrawn moments after his arrest outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Monday, March 20.
“The police have withdrawn my security. I am not worried. I am protected by God,” Wandayi said.
Wandayi was arrested alongside Kilifi Senator and minority leader Stewart Madzayo, Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga and Malindi MP Amina Mnyaz and charged with taking part in an unlawful assembly.
Kahawa Principal Magistrate Gideon Owenga released them on Ksh300,000 bond or Ksh50,000 cash bail each.
President Ruto has warned the Opposition against holding illegal protests which he said are meant to intimidate him to hold talks with Odinga.
“Raila should face me if he has any problem with me because I am the one who defeated him in the elections,” the president said, “he should stop harassing Kenyans and their businesses.”
Odinga however, denies he is out for a handshake with the president for a share of the government
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