- With Raila'’s ultimatum coming to an end, anxiety continues to mount over Kenyans on the opposition’s next cause of action.
- On Tuesday while he visited Parliament, Raila dismissed as rubbish the ongoing recruitment process for IEBC commissioners.
Image: ENOS TECHE
All eyes are on Azimio leader Raila Odinga as his ultimatum to President William Ruto to address a couple of issues he raised elapses on Thursday.
With Raila's ultimatum coming to an end, anxiety continues to mount over Kenyans on the opposition’s next cause of action.
There are reports that Raila will call for a mass boycott of certain products from companies that backed President Ruto as well as possible civil disobedience.
Street protests are also in the cards.
Police on Wednesday blocked all the roads leading to State House in anticipation of confrontations with Azimio supporters should Raila call for mass action.
Raila has said that he will make a major announcement on his next political move tomorrow (Wednesday), in what could see him unveil a multifaceted roadmap for his mass action plan.
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi reiterated that mass action will proceed alongside the people’s barazas across the country.
“We will demonstrate to this government that we have the people’s support,” he said.
Azimio leaders said last week that it will summon all its supporters to the capital city this week for a major rally in Nairobi before heading to State House to present a petition to President Ruto.
Raila had asked Ruto to find solutions to a number of issues he raised including addressing the high cost of living, opening the election servers and halting the recruitment of IEBC commissioners.
However, with the recruitment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission process on, Ruto faces tough options with Raila expected to mount pressure through mass action.
On Tuesday while he visited Parliament Raila dismissed as rubbish the ongoing recruitment process for IEBC commissioners.
The IEBC selection panel has invited Kenyans willing and suitable to serve as chairpersons and members of the commission to submit their applications by March 28.
Raila's previous calls for mass action have witnessed a confrontation with security forces leading to injuries.
In recent days, Raila has been meeting Kenyans in various parts of the country to consult them on their demands.
The veteran opposition leader, who has signalled an escalation of the pressure, will hold a public bazara in Mombasa on Sunday.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said Raila has an elaborate plan to deal with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Mass action is not necessarily going to the streets. There could be other things like product and tax boycott as well as civil disobedience where the public would be urged to refuse to heed to the authorities,” said Osotsi.
There are fears that mass action threats could stifle foreign and local investment.
The illegitimacy tag on President Ruto could also dent his authority in the international community.