Migori residents urge Raila to keep off demonstrations

Migori,

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

KNA by Elkana Ochuodho

Local residents from Migori County have urged opposition leader Raila Odinga to desist from leading the three-day demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Led by former North Kanyamkago MCA Patrick Milewa, the residents have described the planned protests as people-centered adding that it was not worth risking Raila’s life.

Milewa explained that they were picketing to protest the high cost of living adding that the 2023/2024 budget will result in more increased taxation.

He, however, urged Migori residents to turn up in large numbers and undertake their constitutional responsibilities while observing peace, harmony and unity.

The county legislator encouraged the police not to use excessive force to quell protests because it was their constitutional right to participate in picketing.

The Managing Director of Migori Maendeleo ya Bodaboda Savings and Credit Cooperative Michael Onditi described the planned demonstrations as the turning point in the realisation of the constitutional freedom of expression.

Onditi urged Bodaboda operators to engage in peaceful protests and desist from destroying properties.

“I have instructed the boda boda operators to join Migori residents during the three-day picketing to allow our members to exercise their democratic right in protesting against the high cost of living and the punitive 2023/2024 budget statement,” Onditi said.

Onditi also applauded the judiciary on their ruling on Maandamano, describing the judgment as a victory for the people of Kenya.

Courtesy; K.N.A