Azimio saying today is a public holiday only serves to confuse us

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance party leader Raila Odinga is in no position to declare March 20 a public holiday.

The party leader, who is set to conduct mass demonstrations today concerning the economic condition of the country and the high standards of living, also declared in a public statement that today is a public holiday.

The official opposition boss in the country cannot declare Monday a public holiday since it is not a prerogative granted to him by the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.

The constitution of the Republic of Kenya under Article 9 (5) stipulates that it is the responsibility of the parliament to enact legislation prescribing other public holidays and observance of public holidays.

Through a parliamentary Act, the constitution further states that the Cabinet Secretary of Interior and coordination of the National Government can declare a national holiday through a gazette notice in addition to or substituting those clearly outlined in the schedule.

This proves that the Opposition boss has no constitutional mandate to declare today a public holiday. The Azimio party should not inconvenience citizens as matters may become drastic.

Businesses, schools and state offices may be paralysed by the demonstrations, creating a sense of confusion in the country.

Azimio la Umoja's holiday may only be taken seriously by the Azimio la Umoja brigade. Demonstrations may only take full effect in Azimio strongholds but not nationwide.

The government should address this and devise a solution in conjunction with the Azimio team on the declaration of Monday as a public holiday since it places Kenyans in a state of distress and confusion.

The government should support peaceful demonstrations since the constitution allows for it and join hands with the Azimio team to ensure confusion does not reign supreme.