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Kenyan Opposition Leader Odinga Calls For Weekly Protests

Veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga is calling for weekly protests, as clashes erupted between police and supporters demonstrating over the country's cost-of-living crisis.

Odinga had called 20 March's demonstrations against the government of President William Ruto in protest at soaring prices of basic goods in Kenya and what he said was last year's "stolen" election.

The opposition leader narrowly lost his fifth tilt at the presidency in the August poll despite being backed by former president Uhuru Kenyatta.

Riot police had earlier fired tear gas and water cannon on Odinga's motorcade near a Nairobi hotel, where he had been due to hold a press conference before being forced to leave.

Running battles erupted between stone-throwing demonstrators and police in several parts of the capital and at least one other Kenyan city, in the first major unrest since Ruto became president in 2021

Kenyans are struggling as prices for basic necessities soar. The value of the shilling has dropped sharply against the US dollar and a sustained drought has left millions hungry.

Ruto has declared that he will not be intimidated by the demonstrations, saying: "You are not going to threaten us with ultimatums and chaos and impunity, reports Michael Fitzpatrick for Radio France Internationale.

Kenya: Opposition Leader Odinga Calls for Weekly Rallies Over Cost-of-Living Crisis

RFI, 20 March 2023

Kenya's veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga called Monday for weekly protests, as clashes erupted between police and supporters demonstrating over the country's cost-of-living… Read more »
Kenya: How Odinga Won on Day One of Demonstrations

Capital FM, 21 March 2023

Despite futile attempts to access the Nairobi Central Business District and subsequently State House, Opposition Leader Raila Odinga still had his way in sending a message to… Read more »
Kenya: Odinga's Convoy Teargassed in Nairobi in Day of Drama, Arrests

Capital FM, 20 March 2023

Anti-riot police lobbed teargas and water canon on a convoy of opposition leader Raila Odinga Monday as he led his supporters to the capital's city center. Read more »
Kenya: Madzayo, Wandayi Among Opposition Leaders Arrested During Azimio Protests

Capital FM, 20 March 2023

Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo and National Assembly Minority Opiyo Wandayi are among leaders who have been taken in police custody as Azimio La Umoja One Kenya supporters… Read more »
Kenya: Azimio Demonstrators Gain Access to KICC as Several Arrested

Capital FM, 20 March 2023

Azimio La Umoja One Kenya demonstrators have gained access to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). Read more »
Kenya: Police Lob Teargas to Disperse Odinga Supporters at KICC

Capital FM, 20 March 2023

Police have lobbed teargas to disperse dozens of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya protestors who stormed the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) accompanied by a section of… Read more »
Kenya: Security Tight Around State House Ahead of Odinga Protest March

Capital FM, 20 March 2023

Security was heightened on roads around State House, Nairobi Monday ahead of a protest march by Opposition leader Raila Odinga. Read more »
Kenya: Kisumu Remain Deserted, Shops Closed as Traders Heed Odinga 'Public Holiday' Call

Capital FM, 20 March 2023

The "Holiday" is real in Kisumu as the lakeside city remains deserted with shops closed, save for a few. Read more »
Kenya: 'Meet Me on the Streets 'Winnie Odinga Tells Azimio Supporters, Claims Electronic Devices Hacked

Capital FM, 20 March 2023

The Opposition Leader Raila Odinga's daughter, Winnie Odinga, will take part in the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya demonstrations slated for today. Read more »
Kenya: Businesses in Kisii Operating Normally As Traders Avoid Azimio Protests

Capital FM, 20 March 2023

Business went on as usual Monday in Kisii town as a number of traders opened their businesses with many of the residents saying they are already straining to make a living and… Read more »