Raila addresses supporters as opposition gears for protests day two

He also affirmed that the planned protests for Thursday are on.

In Summary

• In a statement, Raila insisted that the voice of Kenyans must be heard.

• After Wednesday protests that saw running battles between the police and his supporters, the former Prime Minister said that the day had been a success.

Raila Odinga addresses the media at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation on July 12, 2023.
Raila Odinga addresses the media at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation on July 12, 2023.
Image: FILE

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has sent a message to Kenyans ahead of the second day of the opposition's planned three-day protests.

In a statement, Raila insisted that the voice of Kenyans must be heard.

He also affirmed that the planned protests for Thursday are on.

"The voice of the People must be heard. Our peaceful protest continues," Raila said.

After Wednesday's protests that saw running battles between the police and his supporters, the former Prime Minister said that the day had been a success.

He condemned what he termed as excessive use of force on protesters who are only exercising their constitutional rights.

Raila also condemned the use of live bullets during Wednesday's anti-government demonstrations.

In a statement accompanied by a video of a young boy who was allegedly shot in the leg, Raila said it was uncalled for. 

"This illegitimate regime is targeting innocent children; using live bullets. Totally unwarranted, unjustifiable, and uncalled for. This happened in Mashimoni-Kibra today," he said.

Azimio had called for three-day protests starting Wednesday to Friday this week.

They demand that the Kenya Kwanza administration lowers the cost of living and the taxes imposed by the Finance Act, 2023.

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