Raila Odinga to list brands Kenyans should boycott as mass action kicks off

There were protests in Kisumu, Luanda, Mbale and Vihiga towns with residents calling for the lowering of the cost of living which they claimed has brought horror to their lives.

In Migori, Raila led the Azimio brigade to a rally where they launched scathing attacks on the Kenya Kwanza administration and claimed their resolve to push Ruto's administration out of government is on course.

The coalition's latest tactics mirror those Raila and Nasa adopted in 2017 to force the Uhuru Kenyatta administration into submission, leading to the handshake deal though he has insisted he is not after power sharing.

Addressing hundreds of jubilant supporters in Migori, Raila said he was ready to sacrifice himself for the sake of the country's growth and described the major protest rally planned for March 20 in Nairobi as the defining moment of the coalition's activities.

Using a parable of a crocodile, the ODM leader claimed that he was prepared for anything and remains unfazed in his quest to fight for electoral justice, reduction of the high cost of living and good governance.

"I am ready to sacrifice myself for the future of this country. On March 20th, if it is a must that I must be the one that must be eaten by the crocodile for it to rain then I accept," he said.

Raila noted that they are committed in their quest to checkmate Kenya Kwanza regime and hound them out of office.

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga and NARC Kenya's Martha Karua (right). Karua asked their supporters to back the protests. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]

Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua asked their supporters to back the protests.

"We have come to the last court and that court is the court of public opinion. This is the time to come out," said Karua.

She claimed that the government cannot account for money that was available for subsidies even as Kenyans continue to struggle.

Karua said when they pledged to Kenyans free education and subsidies, they had already done their research and knew that money was available for the programs.

In Kisumu, unlike past protests that were marred by violence, looting and loss of lives, it was peaceful yesterday as residents took to the streets in the lakeside city.

Police officers who were manning some of the security installations ignored attempts by some of the youths to engage them. The youths hurled stones at them without getting a response.

[Stories by Anne Atieno, Harold Odhiambo, Olivia Odhiambo and Brian Kisanji]