There seems no end to the ongoing deadly demonstrations in Kenya where the opposition is continously demanding government to tackle the high cost of living.
Martin Gitau a concerned citizen on Monday moved to court seeking orders to stop Azimio and its leaders Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta from planning protests in the country.
Gitau said the protests had caused deaths, property destruction and was likely to plunge the country into chaos if not stopped.
The petitioner is specifically seeking orders to stop the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday protests called by the opposition leaders over the escalating high cost of living.
Similar protests in past two weeks has cost lives of more than 15 people with over 300 injured, some seriously.
On the contrary, the opposition alliance Azimio la Umoja has claimed that government has sanctioned enlisting of militia to counter peaceful protesters.
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi on Monday said the decision to have armed militia battle opposition supporters was made during the Saturday Kenya Kwanza PG at State House.
“For the first time in history we are being made to understand that State House has sanctioned enlisting of militia to attack peaceful demonstrators,” Wandayi said.
“It was what happened at State House on Saturday.”
The Ugunja MP also maintained the three-day protests starting on Wednesday are on to push the government to lower the cost of living.
Wandayi also stated that Kenyans have lost faith in the government as they have failed to deliver as per the manifesto they campaigned for.
Raila Odinga-led Azimio la Umoja coalition said the anti-government demonstrations will go on for three days this week.
In a statement, Azimio la Umoja said due to requests from all sectors, the peaceful protests will be held on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
“We will have countrywide protests next week on Wednesday whether the government likes it or not,” he said.
However, President William Ruto said he will use all means to stop the protests.
“Raila Odinga, I won’t allow you to seek power on the back of the blood of Kenyans. I will stop you,” he said.
The President said the protests have led to the loss of lives and properties.
“We will not allow the handshake brothers to hold our country ransom and to take it, hostage, by causing violence, mayhem and anarchy, they will not succeed,” he said.
