To complete preparations for the huge protest that Opposition leader Raila Odinga has called for on Monday, Azimio grassroots leaders from Nairobi will meet on Sunday.
Nairobi MPs, MCAs, youth and women leaders will attend the gathering, which will take place at an unnamed site. A youth leader informed the Star, “We have called a gathering of grassroots of all leaders, including MCAs and MPs,” in reference to the grassroots leaders in Nairobi. According to him, the nation will be informed by the leaders on the readiness of the city for Monday.
“We will hold a press conference after our initial closed-door meeting,” he continued.
Even as their party’s head called for a nationwide strike on Monday, seven ODM MPs urged Kenyans to forgo the protest.
At a press conference on Friday, the MPs stated that political conflict cannot be used to improve the economic status of the nation. Although being elected on the ODM party ticket, the MPs declared that they would not be taking part in the scheduled protests.
“We also encourage our supporters to follow suit. We urge everyone considering participating in the demonstrations to resume their regular economic and social activities, especially those who are involved in farming, so they can take advantage of the recent rains to plow and sow, says Suba South MP Karoli Omondi, a Suba MP, said.
Tom Ojienda, a senator from Kisumu, was with him, as were the members of parliament Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), and Felix Odiwour alias Jalango (Langata).
According to earlier reports, the Azimio coalition would go across Nairobi estates this weekend to rally supporters before the march to the State House.
In order to retrieve his “stolen win,” Raila has urged his followers to gather in Nairobi on March 20 for a rally. For Raila’s most significant political move in recent memory, Azimio’s leadership has already given members of parliament the go-ahead to transport additional supporters from rural areas.