Raila and Coast leaders plot for street protests

Azimio leader Raila Odinga (right), deputy leader Martha Karua (left), Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Felix Odiwour address supporters in Mombasa recently. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

Opposition chief Raila Odinga Tuesday, July 18, held meetings with Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leaders at the Coast to shore up support for the planned anti-government protests.

Raila met Azimio's troops in Malindi on Friday before he hosted some of the coalition's leaders in Mombasa. Sources said meetings were to strategise how to rally support for the demonstrations scheduled to start on Wednesday, July 19.

"A section of ODM leaders paid him a courtesy call at his residence. We have a lot to discuss, and the high cost of living does not affect Raila alone," said Mombasa ODM chairman Mohamed Hamid.

A source said the ODM leader left the Coast on Monday after he agreed with the party leadership to join the nationwide protests.

"Yes we have agreed to hold a protest, but we will make sure no property is damaged," said Hamid.

Six Mombasa MPs have vowed to continue organising demonstrations in the town to allow residents to air their anger against the Public Finance Act.

The Coast, regarded as the opposition stronghold, had remained relatively calm since Azimio launched the pushback against the Kenya Kwanza Alliance regime.

But last week, the six legislators and civil society groups led street demonstrations against the high cost of living.

Extrajudicial killings

Human rights activists led by Commissioner of Human Rights and Justice Executive Director Julius Ogogoh said they will film cases of police harassment during the protests.

"We have now decided to document cases of extrajudicial killings and police excess so that we hold each of them individually responsible. It will not just be a talk and warnings," said Ogogoh.

Senator Mohamed Faki, MPs Rashid Bedzimba (Kisauni) and Badi Twalib (Jomvu), and also county assembly Speaker Aharub Khatri warned the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome not to shoot peaceful demonstrators, saying he would account for police brutality against unarmed Kenyans.

"The IG will be held to account for the police brutality against peaceful demonstrators. His predecessor was taken to the Hague and Koome should know that he is not above the law," Faki said.

But UDA national vice chairman and East African Legislative Assembly MP Hassan Omar told Mombasa residents to keep off the Azimio demonstrations. "We should unite and focus on development. There is a lot in store for you," he said.