The Wednesday Kamukunji rally organized by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition was called off after claims by the party leader Raila Odinga that he had received intelligence of a most heinous plan by the government to ferry armed goons who would attack peaceful attendees of the rally.
The former Premier further explained that the “armed goons” had already descended on Kamukunji grounds and shot indiscriminately into the crowd with the Police using water cannons to disperse those who had peacefully gathered there.
The faction had initially scheduled the protests in response to the rising cost of living and the government’s decision to increase taxes.
However, the protests had been met with mixed reactions. Some people supported the protests and believed they were an important way to express their frustration with the government. Others thought that the protests were worthless and that they would only serve to divide the country further.
Nevertheless, Azimio supporters in different parts of the country took up the call by their leader and protested which later ended with acts of violence, looting, and destruction of property.
According to media reports, at least 9 people have been reported to have died in the protests, including four in Mlolongo, two in Kitengela, and one in Emali in Makueni County.
The government’s decision to use force to disperse the protesters on Wednesday has received widespread criticism from Human rights groups who are now urging the government and all relevant stakeholders to prioritize the protection of human rights, especially during protests.
The outcome of the Azimio Wednesday protests is now still unclear with the opposition seeking to intensify anti-government protests as stated by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna during an interview with Citizen Television on Thursday morning.
The government on the hand has vowed to deal with anybody behind the demonstrations either directly or indirectly in accordance with the law.
According to Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki, the government has mobilized all the law enforcement agencies to conclude investigations urgently and proceed to the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the planning and execution of the crimes committed during the Azimio protests.
Only time will tell what the ultimate outcome of the protests will be, as Kenyans are now looking at the government and the opposition leaders who are playing blame games – “it’s not me, it’s you.”