Azimio responds after withdrawal of Raila, Kalonzo security detail
Government has withdrawn the security detail of Azimio leaders, Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka ahead of protests
Government has withdrawn the security detail of Azimio leaders, Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka ahead of protests.
The government has withdrawn security attached to Azimio La Umoja Party leader Raila Odinga ahead of his planned anti-government protests starting Wednesday this week.
More than ten police officers who safeguard him when he performs his daily duties as well as those who watch over his properties in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Siaya have been withdrawn.
The State also took away the protection of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka more than 50 Azimio MPs have also had their security withdrawn by the State.
In addition, four Nyanza governors, Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, James Orengo of Siaya, Prof. Anyang Nyong’o of Kisumu and Ochilo Ayacko of Migori all have also had their security directed to report to Kisumu.
Confirming the withdrawal, embattled Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said the move was a political witchunt aimed at deterring the Azimio from staging mass demonstrations.
He faulted the government for finding scapegoats instead of providing solutions to lower the cost of living. Kioni confirmed that he was not surprised by President William Ruto’s clarion call to his MPs to block mass protests in their constituencies.
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“I didn’t expect the government to welcome maandamano so I am not surprised. If you are in office, the only responsibility is to make Kenyans’ lives better. If not, we ought to challenge you through protests and the police should provide protection,” Kioni noted.
Kioni also claimed that a hotel in Eldoret was being used as a training ground by a special police unit allegedly formed to muzzle Azimio protests.
“Yesterday, I was called by a supporter in Eldoret and he told me of a hotel which is being used to train these officers during demonstrations. At the time, they were about 200 but now they have increased. Some of the people in that unit were recalled from Special Services Unit (SSU),” Kioni added.
According to Kioni, the opposition had received intelligence from several police officers who intimated to him their wish not to play any part in quelling the anti-government protests.
He added that the rebellious officers provided crucial information regarding the plans to deter the planned protests.
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