Azimio leaders restrategise after protests failed to take place in Nairobi

In a press statement on Tuesday, Azimio la Umoja principal Martha Karua accused the government of deploying security officers in various parts of the city to prevent the opposition leaders from holding peaceful protests in Nairobi CBD.

She criticised police officers who teargassed Members of Parliament who were assembled along Harambee House.

"We had hoped that given the constitutional protection that our protests enjoy, the illegitimate Kenya Kwanza regime would allow Kenyans to express their opinion and fight for the country they love so much.

"That was never to be. Instead, at the break of dawn, police got stationed in all parts of Nairobi Metropolis and the city Centre to prevent us from proceeding with our protests as we had planned," Karua said.

According to the former Justice minister, Azimio wanted to deliver several petitions to various government offices in Nairobi CBD, including the Office of the President.

Senior Counsel Martha Karua with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on August 31, 2022 Pulse Live Kenya

“Unfortunately, because of the mayhem, we could not present our four petitions as planned,” she spoke.

Karua also said that security officers attatched to Azimio leaders were withdrawn, and accused the government of trying to intimidate the opposition.

"Last night, all Azimio leaders, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka had their security withdrawn. All members of Parliament who actively support this cause have also had their security withdrawn," she spoke.

"We know why we could not be allowed to present a petition to OP on cost of food. There has been an attempt by Kenya Kwanza to mislead people that the cost of unga has come down. The truth is that it has not and we wanted to prove it," Karua continued.

She said that the protests would resume on Thursday, May 4, 2023.