ODM leaders in Nairobi have requested the youth to reconsider Thursday’s anti-government protest plans.
Makadara MP George Aladwa, who chairs the Nairobi ODM branch, has led the appeal to organizers of the Nane Nane demonstrations, emphasizing the potential harm to all citizens should the nation face destruction. The leaders advocate for patience, requesting that President William Ruto be given time to address concerns, assuring that the administration is attentive to the public’s voice. Concurrently, Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has confirmed the force’s preparedness to maintain order during the demonstrations.
“Every Kenyan as per the law has liberty to demonstrate, picket and assemble as per the law. That one everyone is very much aware of and where the privilege of one ends is where the other starts,” he said.
Masengeli stresses that while security measures would be enhanced, they would not be extraordinary/ He also reminds protestors of their right to demonstrate within legal boundaries. In a significant political development, President Ruto has welcomed ODM leader Raila Odinga’s decision to join his inclusive administration. The ODM nominees appointed to cabinet include Hassan Joho to Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Wycliffe Oparanya to Cooperatives Development, Opiyo Wandayi to Energy, and John Mbadi to the National Treasury.
This move towards a broad-based government is seen as a step towards national unity and an attempt to quell ongoing protests. Both Ruto and Raila have expressed their commitment to unifying the country. Aladwa’s team echoes this sentiment, calling for unity across party lines and condemning recent attacks on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during his visit to Toi Market following a fire incident. The Toi marketplace in Kibra recently experienced a devastating fire that destroyed numerous vendor stalls. The incident led to unrest, with frustrated traders resorting to stone-throwing as authorities assessed the damage.
