Foreign diplomat expresses concern over Raila’s mass demonstration
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Norwegian diplomat to Kenya expresses concern over Raila's weekly mass demonstration
Norwegian diplomat to Kenya expresses concern over Raila’s weekly mass demonstration.
On Thursday, March 23, the government of Norway expressed its alarm about the ongoing protests being organized by the Raila Odinga-led Azimio alliance.
This was communicated through Norwegian Ambassador to Kenya Gunnar Andreas Holm when he paid a courtesy visit to National Assembly (NA) Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Gunnar stated that the Norwegian Government was concerned about the demonstrations’ result through a press statement released by the NA Speaker.
“The Ambassador was curious on how the demonstrations called by the Azimio will affect the businesses and the country at large,” the statement read in part.
Wetang’ula, a former member of Raila’s inner circle, gave the diplomat a briefing on the complaints Azimio is promoting, including the suspension of the Independent Election and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) recruiting process.
The Speaker of National Assembly explained why the government cannot concede to Azimio’s demands: “The demonstrators are calling for the cessation of the IEBC recruitment while at the same time, two elections have been annulled, and the law requires a by-election to be conducted after 90 days, and here, there is no IEBC Commission in place.”
Wetang’ula gave the assurance to Norway and all Kenyans that everything was under control and that the institutions in place to safeguard lives and property were capable of doing their tasks.
The concerns raised by Norway were made two days after Kenya pleaded with foreign missions based in Nairobi to help the government in quelling the protests.
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The Foreign Affairs Ministry claimed Azimio was carrying out atrocities under the cover of protests in a statement released on Tuesday, March 21.
“The government urges the international community to be vigilant in supporting the sanctioning of any conduct adverse to the peace and security of the country,” the government pleaded with the international community.
In response, Raila accused the international community of going to bed with the government.
“We remind the international community that Azimio is pursuing the ideals of democracy and human rights that many of them purport to hold dear.
“The people of Kenya are keenly watching how they will respond to Ruto’s unfolding republic of fear. For our part, we will not relent, or surrender, to an illegitimate regime,” the statement dated Wednesday, March 22, read in part.
Also read,
DCI goes after protestors caught on camera during Monday, March 20 protests
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Jubilee responds over threats to raid Uhuru’s property
Raila responds to the clergy on call to suspend demonstrations
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