Raila: Why we plan to resume Azimio protests in next 2 weeks

Azimio la Umoja One-Kenya leader Raila Odinga. [Samson Wire,Standard]

Azimio la Umoja One-Kenya leader Raila Odinga says the coalition will resume its weekly demonstrations if the bipartisan committee does not reach an agreement within the next two weeks.

Odinga made the remarks at the Jubilee Party's National Delegates Conference at Ngong Racecourse in Nairobi on Monday, May 22, 2023.

In his speech, Odinga stated that he wants the committee to address three key issues: the high cost of living, access to the electoral body's servers, and the independence of political parties.

"We have 14 days left for the ongoing bipartisan talks. If the committee, chaired by Otiende Amollo and his counterpart from Kenya Kwanza, cannot find a solution, we will return to the streets," Odinga said.

The former Prime Minister also urged dissatisfied Jubilee members to peacefully walk away from the party's decisions.

"Instead of taking Jubilee Party to Kenya Kwanza, leave, and let's meet on the ballot," he added.

Odinga also criticized President William Ruto's decision to establish a tribunal to investigate the Shakahola massacre, stating that top government leaders should be treated as suspects in the matter.

"A thief cannot arrest another thief. In the case of Shakahola, we all know Makenzi was in State House. Ruto, stop, you are a suspect and cannot form an investigating tribunal," Odinga said.

Two weeks ago, President Ruto appointed Court of Appeal Judge Jessie Lessit to lead a commission that will investigate the Shakahola massacre linked to controversial preacher Paul Makenzi.

Justice Lessit will chair the commission of inquiry, and lawyer Kioko Kilukumi has been named as the commission's lead counsel.

"I, William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, direct as follows: a commission to inquire into the Shakahola tragedy is appointed," stated a gazette notice dated May 4.

The commission will consist of Justice Mary Muhanji, Bishop Catherine Mutua, Psychiatrist Frank Njenga, lawyer Eric Gumbo, Jonathan Lodompui, Dr Wanyama Musiambu, and Albert Musasia as its members.