UDA to hold parallel demonstrations to residences of Raila, Kalonzo, Karua and Eugene Wamalwa

UDA Seceretary General Cleophas Malala. He has confirmed that the parallel demonstrations will be at the residences of Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Eugene Wamalwa. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

As the clock ticks towards the planned demonstrations by Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has announced it will hold parallel demonstrations.

In a statement by UDA's Secretary General Cleophas Malala dated March 17 2023, addressed to the Inspector General of the National Police Service, the party members will be holding peaceful demonstration and picketing.

"We appreciate the role and mandate of The National Police Service, in maintaining law and order, preserving peace, and protecting life and property. It is in this regard. We write to request security personnel in view of hustlers that will be demonstrating against divisive politics, destruction of property, and probable loss of lives," said Malala.

UDA's demonstrations and picketing will take a different form.

"This is in light of Azimio's countrywide demonstrations scheduled for Monday 20th. 2023. We are expecting at least 20,000 people in tomorrow's picketing on Karen, Kitisuru, and Lower Kabete roads leading to the following homesteads; Raila Odinga, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa," said Malala.

Speaking to The Standard, UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala confirmed that indeed the planned parallel demonstrations will take place.

"The statemet is legitimate, they are going to demonstrate against Azimio demonstrating without clearance and using arcaic methods to try and unseat the president," said Malala.

However, Malala confirmed that they have not received any response from the police?

"The protests will be peaceful, and we will be going to the residences mentioned because we might not get to their offices." said Malala.

However, Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua took to Twitter to castigate UDA's parallel demonstrations.

"Ignorance of the law is no defence. You can demonstrate or picket on public spaces and offices, or on employers premises but any uninvited procession to a private space is actionable trespass," said Karua.

Azimio la Umoja leaders led by Raila Odinga have threatened to stage mass demonstrations in Nairobi on Monday, March 19 2023 in protest over high cost of living among other things.

Nairobi Police boss Adamson Bungei says Azimio's Monday protests are illegal.

Speaking in Nairobi on Sunday, March 19, 2023, Bungei said the protests will not be allowed as they do not meet the required threshold.

"The Constitution under Article 37 provides that every person has the right peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, demonstrate, picket and petition to the public authorities. However, the Public Orders Act, 2012 Section 5 (2) provides that any person intending to convene any meeting or a public procession shall notify the regulating officer of such intent at least three days but not more than fourteen days before the proposed date of the public meeting or procession." Said Bungei.