Friday, July 7, 2023 –Opposition leader Raila Odinga announced another mega rally at the Central Park CBD after his Kamukunji Rally despite teargas and string attempts from the police to block him.
In complete defiance of police orders, the daring Azimio la Umoja Party boss asked his supporters to march to the park located in the CBD adding that he must take them there even if police officers tried stopping this.
“Even if they block the route, we must use alternative until we reach there. We are converging at Central Park after this,” he announced as protesters agreed with:
“We are tired, tumechoka!” the protesters shouted as hundreds left Kamukunji Grounds for Nairobi CBD after his speech.
Odinga defiantly ordered supporters to accompany him to the Central Park where he was scheduled to hold another rally.
He is pressurizing President William Ruto to lower the cost of living for millions of Kenyans who are not happy with his new taxes.
At Kamukunji Grounds wherehe started, Raila also launched a 10 million signature drive with a plan to have them ready by this Friday July 14 so that to start process of ousting Ruto.
His orders coming just hours after police warned protesters against accessing the Nairobi CBD for their activities.
Miles away, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka led protests in Kathiani Market, Machakos where supporters demanded the lowering of the cost of leaving.
The protesters marched to Kathiani Market where they held the rally. Musyoka addressed the rally, calling on President William Ruto to withdraw sections of the Finance Act 2023 which introduced new taxes.
Our source told us that the protests were peaceful, and no arrests were recorded. However, the protests highlighted the growing tensions between Azimio la Umoja and Ruto’s government.
As this was taking place, Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua was leading a Saba Saba meeting at Difathas in Kirinyaga County.
Mr. Wycliffe Oparanya, Eugene Wamalwa and Prof Wajakoyah, on the other side, pitched camp in Western Region, particularly, at Luanda Market; while Former Laikipia governor Nderitu Murrithi, with a host of Azimio supporters was arrested as they conducted their Saba Saba protests in Nyahururu Town.