- Raila Odinga says Wednesday’s protest is a right, not a threat
- He urges protestors to maintain peace and avoid any form of violence
- ODM calls for advance coordination with police to ensure safety
- Foreign envoys and human rights groups back call for restraint
ODM leader Raila Odinga has spoken ahead of the highly anticipated June 25 demonstrations, urging the government to let the protests go on peacefully. Raila reminded the state and Kenyans that the right to protest is protected under Article 37 of the Constitution and should be respected, not feared.
He called on protestors to avoid violence, vandalism or any actions that might harm others. “Protesting is a global tool of expression,” he noted, “From Paris to Pakistan, people speak out peacefully.”
Raila also encouraged organisers to take a lawful and organised approach. He advised them to inform the police early, share planned routes, start and end times, and keep everything transparent.
According to him, such cooperation will reduce risks and help both police and protestors do their part without conflict. “Planning ahead,” he said, “is not a sign of weakness, but wisdom.”
ODM Affirms Support for Peaceful Civic Action
The opposition boss made it clear that ODM is behind peaceful protest, and not political violence. He insisted that people must be allowed to mourn, reflect and demand justice without intimidation or chaos.
He also said the 2024 protests left many families grieving, and the upcoming demos are more of a memorial than a political event.
Security forces have been placed on high alert, but several rights groups and foreign diplomats have urged restraint. They want the police to act within the law, avoid brutality, and respect the citizens’ rights.
As the country awaits Tuesday, Raila finished his statement with a call to all sides — the people, the police, and the state: “Let this be a peaceful day that shows Kenya is a democracy that respects both order and freedom.”
