Raila cancels parallel Jamhuri Day celebrations

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leader Raila Odinga. [File, Standard]

Raila Odinga has cancelled anti-government meetings scheduled for Jamhuri Day on December 12.

National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi says the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leaders will be involved in other engagements on that day.

Speaking at the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on Thursday, December 8, Wandayi said: "We reaffirm that even with the cancellation of parallel celebrations on December 12, the people's dialogue shall continue in one way or another, in public and in private, in the coming days, weeks and months in different parts of the country."

Odinga was to hold the anti-government push at the Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East, Nairobi over the high cost of living, removal bid of four IEBC commissioners, alleged capture of the Judiciary by the Executive, Kenya Kwanza government's unmet campaign promises, among other grievances.

"The president [William Ruto] will preside over the Jamhuri celebrations at Uhuru Park, whereas our people (opposition) we'll convene at the Jacaranda Grounds as we chart the way forward in our efforts to liberate this country from high-handed leadership," Odinga said at the Kamukunji Grounds on Wednesday, December 7.