Kenya’s opposition is all ready to protest for a second day, on Thursday, July 20, over the exorbitant cost of living and tax hikes, regardless of the fact that policemen had clashed with protestors and apprehended at least 300 people on Wednesday, July 19.
The opposition leader, Raila Odinga, had taken to his official handle to tweet: “The voice of the people must be heard. Our peaceful protest persists.”
The ongoing three-day protests (Wednesday-to-Friday) is the third round of protests that the Kenyan opposition has called this month alone so far.
Several people had reportedly been shot on Wednesday, with some senior opposition leaders getting arrested after protesters hurled stones at policemen, prompting security forces to fire tear gas into the crowd.
It is not yet known, as at the time of writing this report, if the gun shots fired yesterday had been fatal.
Meanwhile, Odinga’s Azimio opposition party has directed its supporters to gather at Huruma grounds, Kangemi grounds and Central Park in the capital Nairobi today.
Expert politician, Odinga, had lost the last Presidential election held in August to President William Ruto. His loss at the 2022 polls has made it his fifth election loss in a row.
As a result of his defeat, Odinga has consistently asked his supporters to engage in unlawful acts against a government he claims is responsible for the high cost of living.