Raila Odinga's procession hits the brick wall at Pipeline

Raila Odinga, Martha Karua and Kalonzo Musyoka addressed a roadside gathering at Imara Daima, Nairobi on Thursday, March 30, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

What had started as a day of uninterrupted series of rallies for Raila Odinga, ended prematurely at Pipeline in Embakasi South, Nairobi, where his procession was teargassed, forcing him and his convoy to reroute.

Odinga, who was leading anti-President William Ruto protests, had earlier held successful roadside addresses at Imara Daima and Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums.

Upon reaching Pipeline, Odinga's attempts to address the roadside gathering and, thereafter, force his way through Outering Road were thwarted by a contingent of police officers.

It was speculated that he was aiming to end his Thursday rallies at Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East Constituency.

Tens of police officers threw a cordon across the road at Pipeline, rendering it impassable for Odinga, his convoy and supporters.

After several teargas canisters had been hurled at his convoy, whose membership comprised Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa, Odinga made a U-turn and sped off towards Eastern Bypass, Airport North Road and then Southern Bypass before heading to Ngong Road and finally Karen.

Odinga later Thursday addressed the press at Karen, where he said excessive use of force by police was witnessed during the demos.

Part of Azimio's grievances against the Kenya Kwanza administration is the high cost of living, which the coalition accuses President Ruto of refusing to address.

Additionally, the coalition claims that the August 9, 2022 presidential election was marred with irregularities that ended up favouring President Ruto against Odinga.