Kioni: Raila to explain why coalition called off Wednesday's protests during international press conference

The opposition leader will be making the first appearance since July 12.

In Summary
  • Embattled Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni confirmed that Raila will be making a public statement.
  • Raila will detail the opposition programme for Wednesday which will include lighting candles.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga during the Kamukunji rally on July 7, 2023.
HIGH COST OF LIVING: Azimio leader Raila Odinga during the Kamukunji rally on July 7, 2023.
Image: FILE

Opposition chief Raila Odinga will on Tuesday address a major international press conference on the developing situation in the country.

Raila, who is also the leader of the Azimio La Umoja coalition, will be making an appearance for the first time since July 12.

The Orange Democratic Movement leader did not participate in last week's three days protests.

He told the media that he did not make an appearance because he was under the weather with a 'terrible flu.''

Speaking on Radio Jambo on Tuesday morning, embattled Jubilee secretary general Jeremiah Kioni confirmed that Raila will be making a public statement.

''Raila will address an international news conference today (Tuesday) and when you see those international channels coming to Kenya then you should know that there is a situation developing in the country,'' Kioni said.

The former Ndaragwa MP said the opposition captain will explain why the coalition called off Wednesday's countrywide protests and also provide the way forward.

Kioni said they had decided that Raila will detail the opposition programme for Wednesday which will include lighting candles in honour of those who died during the demonstrations.

According to Kioni, lighting candles and placing flowers at select places will also be part of the protest by Kenyans to register their displeasure.

"We decided that because even lighting candles is also a way of protesting, honouring the dead is also a way of showing our displeasure," he said.

The opposition has warned of a return to the country's dark days when Kenya's single-party rule was said to have perpetuated injustices on Kenyans by clamping down on dissent.

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