Kenyan opposition leader, Raila Odinga has suspended the planned protest for today, Monday, and would embark on a dialogue with the government.
Odinga told reporters in an evening press conference on Sunday, “we stand down our demonstrations for Monday, that is tomorrow, April 3, 2023. But in doing so, we want to emphasise that the right to assemble, to demonstrate, petition, and speak are iron-clad as provided for in our constitution.”
However his party “reserve the right to call for demonstrations should this process not bear fruit”, he said.
“Should there be no meaningful engagement or response from Hon (Honourable) Ruto to our counter-offer, we resolve to resume our demonstrations after one week.”
The opposition leader, who has accused President Ruto of stealing last year’s election, had called for protests twice a week and warned “Mega Monday” would see his supporters “take back the country”.
Major cities in the East African country have been thrown into pandemonium after two weeks of chaotic street demonstrations in which lives and properties were lost and at least 25 cases of attacks on journalists “at the hands of state and non-state actors” have been reported during the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto in a nationwide address earlier on Sunday, appealed for Odinga to work through parliament, not the street.
“I urge my brother Raila Odinga, and the opposition, to call off the demonstrations, and to give this bipartisan approach a chance for us to take the country forward,” he said, urging Kenyans to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
President Ruto had warned protesters, particularly persons involved in criminal activity during last week’s protests, and threatened prosecution.
“All those involved in criminal activity, whoever they are, whatever their status is, will be brought to book,” Ruto said.
