Azimio Threatens Fresh Protests if Bi-Partisan Talks Don’t Commence by Wednesday

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga has said they will go back to the streets if the bi-partisan talks do not commence by Wednesday, May 10.

The Azimio leader noted that they had agreed to participate in the bi-partisan talks after Kenya Kwanza replaced Aden Keynan on their side with Saku MP Dido Rasso.

“We have given them today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday)…the talks must start in earnest by Wednesday…. if they don’t start, we will treat that gentleman’s agreement as canceled,” Raila stated.

Moreover, Mr. Odinga claimed that Kenya Kwanza coalition does not give the talks the seriousness they deserve.

Also Read: Raila Odinga Raises Concerns Over the Proposed Finance Bill 2023

“We acted in good faith to call off the demonstrations after Kenya Kwanza had approached us and said they were ready for the talks,” he said, “We knew that the real reason was that visitors were coming, and they didn’t want demonstrations in town.” He stated.

Azimio coalition had initially planned to protest on Thursday last week but suspended the demos regarding the bi-partisan talks.

This was after the government called for bipartisan talks to resolve the crisis. However, the process was stalled because of several disputes.

Nonetheless, Raila Odinga’s supporters have staged several demonstrations since March this year over claims that the 2022 presidential vote was rigged as well as government’s failure to tackle the high cost of living.