Azimio insists Thursday protests still on; gives supporters new meeting points

Azimio Coalition co-principal Martha Karua at a past rally. [File, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja Coalition has urged its supporters in Nairobi to converge at Huruma, Kangemi and Central Park Grounds for a peaceful protest on Thursday, July 20.

This comes hours after Raila Odinga urged his supporters to stop the protests at 5 pm, take a rest and resume the following day.

In a statement by the coalition's co-principal Martha Karua on Wednesday evening, the political outfit has urged its supporters to show up in large numbers and practice their Constitutional Rights.

"We call upon Kenyans to come out in an even bigger way tomorrow and demonstrate peacefully in their neighbourhoods. In Nairobi, the people shall assemble at Huruma Grounds, Kangemi Grounds and Central Park (CBD). For those who were unable, for one reason or another, to participate today, you have a chance tomorrow and the day after. We expect the Police to provide security to the demonstrators and the general public." she says.

Karua has also condemned the use of excessive force and live bullets by police against protesters, saying demonstrators are peacefully fighting against punitive taxes.

"Unfortunately, and characteristically, the police have today inflicted terrible harm on peaceful and unarmed demonstrators. We empathise with those whose loved ones have lost lives at the hands of rogue elements in the Police Service. We also wish those who suffered injuries, and are lying in various hospitals across the country, quick recovery"

Earlier Kaura had demanded the release of about 10 Azimio allies who had allegedly been arrested or abducted since Tuesday, July 18 evening.

"These illegal arrests and or abductions are a desperate attempt by the illegitimate Ruto Regime to paralyze Azimio and its top leaders and to sabotage the exercise of our constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations. We demand for the immediate release of those detained noting that their detention is not only malicious but also unlawful. If it were not so, they would have been taken before the nearest courts and charged immediately." Her statement reads.

She also accused the government's security agencies of using force against protesters in Mathare, Kibra, Embakasi, Kamukunji, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kisii, Kisumu and other parts of the country.

"As stated previously, we remind the police that each officer will account individually for these unlawful acts. Our Lawyers have instructions to proceed with the necessary legal action."

According to Karua, Embakasi East MP was arrested on Tuesday evening. Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga and Kilifi Speaker Teddy Mwambire had also been arrested and detained at an unknown place.

Karua says that some of the coalition allies in the Nairobi County Assembly; Wilfred Odallo (Mabatini MCA), Redson Onyango (Ngei MCA), and two budget officers in the same county, Erick Otieno and Anthony Otsula were also in police custody.

She also disclosed that two aides of Raila; his bodyguard Maurice Ogeta and Denis Onyango had also been arrested.

However, media reports indicate that by the time of publishing this article, Ogeta had been released.