Police, protesters must not behave like criminals

Kisumu residents participate in Azimio's mass action on March 20, 2023. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Today marks the second week of the demonstrations called by Azimio La Umoja to protest the high cost of living, among other concerns. After the first demos held on Monday last week, Raila Odinga announced the opposition would hold bi-weekly demonstrations on Mondays and Thursdays until the government accedes to its demands.

Calls for dialogue have largely fallen on deaf ears as both sides of the political divide dig in; each intent on staring the other side down. Last week's demonstrations turned chaotic after the police tried to disperse demonstrators, claiming the protests were illegal.