ODM Leaders Now Dare President Ruto to Arrest Raila Over Anti-Govt Demos

A section of ODM politicians have dared President William Ruto to arrest opposition leader Raila Odinga over his demands for countrywide demonstrations against the government. 

At a rally in Kisumu East constituency on Saturday, July 15, the politicians led by National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga declared that any sort of suppression of Mr Odinga will lead to chaos in the country. Mr Wandayi argued that the struggle to ease the cost of living surpasses Mr Odinga and that even his arrest would not solve the problem. He went on to state that President Ruto does not have the right to forbid demonstrations, adding that they don’t need his consent to march. 

“Instead of using the might of guns and water cannons to provide security for those who are demonstrating for their constitutional rights, some overzealous government officials are brutally attacking, maiming and killing the protesters,” Dr Oburu said. 

Mr Wandayi also warned that any move against Raila could destabilise the nation. He continued that if anything happen to Mr Odinga it could lead to the disintegration of the country. Lastly, he blamed ODM leaders who have joined forces with President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance for deserting the Azimio community at a time when they are being targeted for leading protests against tax increases.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Owili asked PS Raymond Omollo to take urgent action following the violence that has led to three fatalities in Sondu. Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron warned that the government should not use the Sondu dispute to start an ethnic war. James Nyikal, the Seme MP, felt that the government is attempting to use the conflict as a distraction from the real problems. Other representatives present at the rally included Rosa Buyu (Kisumu West), Jared Okello (Nyando), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach) and Ongóndo Were from Kasipul.