Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, has asked his supporters to end the Wednesday, July 19, anti-government protest at 5 pm.

The Azimio La Umoja party leader urged the protesters to rest and resume demonstrations on Thursday, July 20. 

Philip Etale, Orange Democratic Movement’s Communication Director, welcomed Raila’s directive, emphasizing that the opposition will not relent in its effort to hold the current regime accountable. 

“The directive is in line with the Constitution which stipulates that protests should end at 5 pm,” Etale stated. 

Raila hailed the first day of the protests as a resounding success, arguing that the government had shown attentiveness towards the grievances raised by the demonstrators.

However, he declined to heed calls by religious leaders who asked him to pursue dialogue with President William Ruto.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) also urged President William Ruto to repeal the Finance Act 2023 and lower the cost of living, concerns similar to those raised by the Azimio la Umoja coalition. 

Meanwhile, Raila spoke on the Wednesday, July 19, anti-government protest after maintaining his silence throughout the day. Pro-government allies, police and his supporters had expected the former Prime Minister to lead the first day of the three-day demonstrations set to end on Friday, July 21. 

Government fanatics claimed that he had gone into hiding or was ordered to take bed rest, allegations that the former Prime Minister and his camp deviated from addressing. 

However, Raila suffered a major setback when the State withdrew his security and later arrested his top aides, including his personal bodyguard and Spokesperson, Dennis Onyango. 

Azimio la Umoja claimed that at least ten other politicians allied to Raila were arrested and driven to unknown locations. 

While condemning the alleged abduction of the politicians, the Azimio la Umoja claimed a sinister plot was hatched to eliminate its key figures, reports which the police refuted and termed propaganda. 

“These illegal arrests and abductions are a desperate attempt by the Ruto Regime to paralyze Azimio and its top leaders and to sabotage the exercise of our constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations.

“We demand for the immediate release of these detained noting that their detention is not only malicious but also unlawful,” Azimio’s statement dated Wednesday, July 18, read.