ODM leader Raila Odinga declared that the scheduled anti-government protests in Kisumu would take place as scheduled.
Raila said the choice was made following a meeting with Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o on Wednesday at his Capital Hill office in Nairobi.
“We would want to thank the Kenyans who have been attending our meetings at this time. Today, the governor of Kisumu made a statement regarding the protest there.
He instructed us to make the announcement that there will be protests in Kisumu tomorrow along with the rest of the country, Raila said. On his part, Nyong’o said that the residents of Kisumu had a right to speak their minds and defend their rights.
“We urge you to turn out in large numbers, we call upon the police to ensure peace and security during the demonstrations,” he said.
The Kisumu County boss earlier stated that they had agreed to move demos from Kisumu to Nairobi.
“All public demonstrations within Kisumu County have from today been suspended indefinitely so that we can join the demonstrations in Nairobi,” Nyong’o stated.
He added, “The people of Kisumu have spoken loudly and clearly on these very serious matters and have delivered their petitions to the government. We have delivered the message and expressed our resolve to stand with the Azimio La Umoja leader, Raila Amollo Odinga in his quest for Justice.”
His announcement was however condemned by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja who also banned anti-givernemnt protests in the capital city.