Nairobi Azimio Leaders to Meet ahead of Monday Demo

Grassroots leaders from the Azimio coalition in Nairobi are set to meet on Sunday to finalize plans for a mass action on March 20, called by opposition leader Raila Odinga.

The meeting, which will bring together Nairobi MPs, MCAs, youth and women leaders, aims to brief the nation on the city’s preparedness for the demonstration. The location of the meeting has not been disclosed. Meanwhile, seven MPs from Raila’s own ODM party have urged Kenyans to stay away from the planned protest.

At a press conference on Friday, they argued that the country’s economic challenges could not be resolved through political confrontation. The MPs also stated that they would not be participating in the demonstration, and called on their constituents to do the same.

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“We encourage those who are thinking to join the demonstrations to return to their normal economic and social activities, especially those who engage in farming, to take advantage of the current rains to plough and plant,” said Suba South MP Karoli Omondi.

Other MPs present at the press conference included Tom Ojienda, Kisumu Senator, and Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), and Felix Odiwour (Langata).

Earlier reports had suggested that the Azimio coalition would spend the weekend mobilizing supporters in Nairobi’s neighborhoods ahead of the march to State House.

The demonstration has been called by Raila Odinga to reclaim his “stolen victory” in the 2017 presidential election. Azimio’s leadership has already given MPs the green light to transport more supporters from rural areas for what could be Raila’s most significant political move in recent years.

Quoting the MPs from the ODM party, the article reads, “We equally urge our constituents to do likewise. We encourage those who are thinking to join the demonstrations to return to their normal economic and social activities, especially those who engage in farming, to take advantage of the current rains to plough and plant.”