Police block roads as Azimio mass action deadline lapses

 Azimio leader Raila Odinga addressing a crowd at the Jevanjee Gardens in Nairobi February 22, 2023. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]

Police have blocked sections of city roads leading to the State House as an ultimatum issued by Azimio leader Raila Odinga to the government for mass action lapsed.

There was heavy presence of police on some roads on Wednesday, who searched vehicles heading to Kilimani and Kileleshwa.

Raila is expected to announce the next course of action as the 14-day ultimatum comes to an end.

Azimio had given President William Ruto up to Wednesday midnight to spell out measures to lower the cost of living and to open the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission servers for "verification" of the August presidential election results.

On March 8, police blocked sections of State House Road, State House Avenue, Processional Way and Dennis Pritt Road.

Boda boda operators were also not allowed to access the roads as early as 6am.

In a prayer meeting held at the Jeevanje Gardens in Nairobi two weeks ago, Raila demanded that the government lowers the cost of living or face mass action.

Other Azimio demands include the halting of the process to hire IEBC commissioners.

But President Ruto has dismissed the threats, saying the country is led by the rule of the law.

He has also said that he will not be cowed by the opposition.