Chaos erupted on Monday afternoon after a contingent of anti-riot police officers staged a battle of might with protesters after confronting Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition supremo Raila Odinga’s march to Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The police teargassed Raila’s entourage as he left Serena Hotel for CBD. His procession was also repelled with water cannons.
Raila’s motorcade was forced to attempt an alternative route to access the Nairobi CBD after the officers blocked access via Kenyatta Avenue. Later, the entourage was headed to Kamukunji grounds and Eastleigh.
The Azimio leader was flanked by Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and former defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eugene Wamalwa among other leaders allied to the coalition.
Opposition protesters at the scene called out police for accepting to be ‘used’ by the state to frustrate them despite it being gazetted that it was legal to stage protests.
They reiterated that they were only holding peaceful demonstrations in accordance with the constitution and therefore police should in no way frustrate their pursuit for justice.
“Tunaomba maafisa wa usalama wafwatwe sheria, wafuate katiba, usitumike kiholela kuvunja sheria,” they stated.
