Opposition leader Raila Odinga has rubbished a statement from Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei that declared Azimio’s protests illegal.
In a statement Sunday, Bungei claimed Azimio Coalition did not submit their request to hold demonstrations on time.
The Nairobi police boss said Azimio failed to meet the requirements of the Public Order Act, which requires that persons planning to picket inform the police at least three days prior.
In response, Raila Odinga said Wycliffe Oparanya, chair of the Azimio National Executive Council, wrote to the Inspector-General of Police, informing him of their plans to hold demonstrations in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
“Huo ni upuzi. Police kazi yao ni kulinda wananchi. The duty of the police is to protect the people. Not to license protests. They are only served with the notice and that’s what the Constitution says,” Raila said.
The former Prime Minister insisted that Monday is a public holiday and called on Kenyans to join the demos against the Kenya Kwanza government.
“To Kenyans, tomorrow is a public holiday. If you can’t come to Nairobi, protest from wherever you are.
“We want Kenyans to come out in large numbers and show their displeasure at what is going on in our country. We shall converge at the centre of the city and proceed on a grand march to State House to claim our victory,” he said.
Raila spoke on Sunday at ATG Deliverance Church in Ongata Rongai, Nairobi.