The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has called on its supporters to stay away from the planned June 25 memorial protests, saying the party will not take part in demonstrations and remains committed to working within the broad-based government.
The message was delivered by senior ODM leaders during grassroots mobilisation events held in Homa Bay and Kwale counties.
Led by ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, the leaders said the party believes the focus should now be on supporting efforts to compensate victims of previous protests rather than organising new demonstrations.
They maintained that ODM has chosen a different political path and does not see street protests as the best way forward at this time.
Wanga criticised those mobilising for the June 25 protests, arguing that the reasons for returning to the streets have not been clearly explained to Kenyans.
She said ODM members had participated in demonstrations for many years and that the party had now decided against joining further protests.
“We have seen those who are saying even if the Finance Bill is good they will still demonstrate. Huku kwetu tumesema hatutaenda maandamano tena. We have gone to the streets for too many years. Wacha wengine pia wafanye,” Wanga said.National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed also questioned the organisers of the planned demonstrations, claiming that those pushing for the protests were no longer the young people who initially led previous movements.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi defended the Finance Bill that was passed by the National Assembly on Thursday, insisting it was fair and asking why there should be fresh protests.
“As long as I am the CS Treasury, I will never bring a Finance Bill that is oppressive,” he said.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi urged residents across different parts of the country to avoid participating in demonstrations, saying communities had benefited from the current administration and should focus on development instead.
During a separate meeting in Kwale County, ODM leaders argued that cooperation under the broad-based government was helping deliver projects and resolve long-standing issues.
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho pointed to efforts to address land challenges at the Coast, while Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed said development projects and government support justified ODM’s partnership with President William Ruto.
Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi, who previously criticised the government, said the party had now chosen to support the President and work together in pursuit of its development agenda.
