• The protests have also been experienced in other parts of the country including Kisumu, a Raila stronghold.
• Before the protests began, Raila had to awaken the spirit of fighting oppressive regimes as they have done in the past.
Image: ENOS TECHE
It's D-day for Raila Odinga-led Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance as they made true to their threats of holding protests in Nairobi.
The protests have also been experienced in other parts of the country including Kisumu, a Raila stronghold.
Before the protests began, Raila had to awaken the spirit of fighting oppressive regimes as they have done in the past.
He clarified that the match to the president's office is not about any tribe, race or religion, but it's all about the well-being of Kenyans.
- Since the protests began a few hours ago, so far one person has reportedly been shot. He was allegedly shot at the Toi Market after things escalated between residents and the police.
Three legislators allied to the opposition have been arrested for leading protests in the City centre. They include; Senate Minority leader Stewart Madzayo, National Assembly minority leader Opiyo Wandayi and Amina Mnyazi.
- Some supporters of Azimio la Umoja one coalition were on Monday tear-gassed as they assembled at KICC in Nairobi. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna who led the MPs had stepped out of their legislative zone and was leading the Azimio la Umoja one coalition. The police in an attempt to stop them lobbed tear gas but the MPs joined other Azimio supporters and lead their way to KICC.
- Businesses remained closed with minimal activity in Kisumu’s Kondele and Kibos areas on Monday as residents braced for Raila Odinga's protest calls. The residents burnt tyres by the roads as a show of solidarity with their leader. The county began the protests last week ahead of the mega demos in Nairobi.
- The streets of Mombasa have remained peaceful even as ODM Leader Raila Odinga's strongholds are in demos. Most of the shops within town were opened, but few people seen going about their business. No police presence, just a few traffic police and county askaris on duty.
- Dozens of police officers camped at different areas in Nairobi as Azimio protesters took to the street in response to Raila Odinga's call for mass action. A spot check showed armed officers around the Kenyatta International Conventional Centre (KICC) and other areas within the Central Business District (CBD). Another contingent of police officers was also deployed at Mlango Kubwa, Mathare, Juja Road, Kibera, Thika Road, Jogoo Road and Kamkunji areas.
- Attempts by locals to access stage lodge Kisumu was thwarted by police officers. Police are currently engaged in a running battle between officers and locals along the major streets of Kisumu.
- Police dispersed protesters using teargas along Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi.
A police vehicle has been stoned by Kibra protestors following a standoff between the protestors and the police, which saw the officers hurl teargas at them.
- Raila remains a no-show, as of 12 noon as several Azimio bigwigs claim to have been blocked from leaving their homes.
The ever-busy Jeevanjee Gardens for the first time remained deserted on Monday morning after armed police officers took over. There had been reports that Azimio leaders would hold a rally there before proceeding to State House for their mass action.
The running battles between the police and protestors in Kibra left one of the Nation Media Group's press vehicles damaged. The vehicle which had been parked along the roadside had its windscreen damaged. No injuries have so far been reported.
- Kisii residents have kept off Raila's mass action calls. Even though, there has been additional security deployment around the State Lodge following threats from restive pockets of Raila supporters who had been vowing to 'storm and eat in there'.
