Veteran media personality Terryanne Chebet on Friday, July 21, penned an emotional open letter to Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga asking him to call off the anti-government protests.
Terryanne who decried losing business due to her meetings being canceled because of the ongoing demonstrations, called on the opposition leader to either drop the protests or find an alternative.
“Consultants like me who rely on per-day payments are counting our losses every week,” Terryanne wrote.
“I seek your indulgence, either drop the protests altogether or seek a new way that will not only have significant advancements in how the government handles its money but will also inspire our generation to continue the fight for a better Kenya,” she added.
The former Citizen TV journalist further recognized Raila Odinga’s leadership throughout Kenya’s political history noting that Kenyans have seen the significance of protests and mass action in the fight for democracy.
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However, Terryanne opined that entities like civil rights groups, clergy, and universities who have in the past stood by the opposition chief during protests appear to have waned.
“It appears that the influence of these foundational institutions may have experienced a wane over time, particularly now, as you lead the Maandamano protests,” her letter reads in part.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to picketing and demonstration, the media personality observed that the ongoing protests seem to have lost the potency of mass action.
“Regrettably, the current demonstrations seem to have lost the potency of mass action, necessitating a concerted effort to unite and rally a formidable mass in support of your vision for a better Kenya,” she told the ODM leader.
Recommendations to Raila Odinga
Terryanne suggested incorporating strategies such as student sit-ins, boycotts, and non-violent picketing, adding that they could be more efficacious in garnering public support.
She then urged Odinga not to overlook the vital role of civil rights, clergy, and universities during Kenya’s struggle for multi-party democracy.
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“Disregarding the significance of these esteemed institutions in the current protests inadvertently allows your adversaries to paint your endeavors as a solitary war driven by self-preservation,” she noted.
“Engaging the Church, Civil service, and Universities shall engender trust among Kenyans, thereby nurturing a collective yearning for a better nation,” Terryanne added.
In conclusion, Terryanne Chebet called on the opposition chief to embrace the power of unity and the efficacy of nonviolent action ‘to lead Kenya toward a brighter future’.
