Raila accuses state of sponsoring killer squad to harm Azimio leaders and protesters

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has accused the government of sponsoring a trained illegal killer squad to harm opposition leaders as well as their supporters.

In a statement posted on his official social media pages Sunday, July 16, Raila says his political outfit will not backdown from the ongoing weekly nationwide protests.

"As we soldier on, we condole with the l those killed by Ruto and celebrate them as martyrs of our liberation. We acknowledge all those being arrested and charged and acknowledge them as political prisoners. We shall overcome," his statement reads in part.

Additionally, Raila Odinga says Kenyans killed during protests are matyrs in the fight to liberate the country from what he terms as 'politics of deceit'.

Raila also claims that the governmrnt is using a gang dubbed Operation Support Unit (OSU) that is disguised as police officers to use excessive force during demonstrations.

The Azimio chief is also blaming OSU for the deaths witnessed in Wednesday's protests in Mlolongo, Kamukunji and Jogoo Road.

"Unfortunately, this time round, it is not just the official security officers that are being unleashed on Kenyans. Kenya Kwanza has embedded a trained killer squad in the name of Operation Support Unit into the official security agencies and unleashed it on Kenyans.

OSU, now under a Mr. Zakary Kariuki, was disbanded a few years ago and its members sent home." He adds.

The former premier argues that the killings are meant to spread fear among Kenyans.

Odinga has been leading demonstrations against the government.

He is pushing for IEBC reforms, audit of 2022 presidential election results and lowering the cost of living through reductionof taxes.

Last week, protests against the government rocked Makueni, Machakos,Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru among other counties.

The coalition has also announced another round of demonstrations this coming Wednesday.