Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga has called off a rally that was scheduled to be held at Kamukunji grounds in Nairobi on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

In a statement, Raila said that the opposition outfit was forced to call off the rally due to interference by the police with already one death reported. 

"In order to protect our people and avert more injury and loss of lives, we have taken the strategic decision not to proceed with the rally at Kamkunji this afternoon. In any case, the people have made the point," Raila said.

Raila says that the opposition had also received intelligence reports that government operatives were planning to plant goons to disrupt the rally by attacking the attendees.

"Late last night, we received intelligence of a most heinous plan by Kenya Kwanza to ferry armed goons who would attack peaceful attendees of our rally in Kamkunji. These goons had express orders to shoot directly into the crowd while enjoying police protection. Early this morning, our crew who had been sent to set up the stage at Kamukunji were attacked and their equipment damaged," Raila said. 

"Some were arrested. In line with the intelligence we received, armed goons have this afternoon descended on Kamukunji grounds and shot indiscriminately into the crowd. Police have used water cannons to disperse those peaceably assembled there."

Raila has accused the police of maiming and even killing protestors in different parts of the country, including Nairobi.

"Police have shot, injured and killed protesters in various parts of the country including here in Nairobi.  Scores of protesters have been arrested for participating in an exercise that is clearly protected by the Constitution.  As usual, it is the police maiming and killing people. Slowly, ours is degenerating into a police state," added.

Azimio has vowed to hold subsequent protests until President William Ruto liste

ns to their demands, which include a bipartisan reconstitution of IEBC, and halting interference with other political parties.

"It will be trial by fire many times, but we have been through trial by fire before. So, we soldier on. As Kenyans, we have a duty to liberate ourselves as we have always done. It has never been easy. It will not be easy but it has to be done," he added. 

Raila has promised that the coalition will announce a third wave of protests across the country. By Francis Muli, People Daily