Opposition Leaders Speak Out after Reports Claim They've Called Off Gen Z Protests
- Reports circulated online claiming that the opposition, led by ex-DP Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, asked supporters not to join the June 25 protests
- A statement that circulated online alleged that the Kenya Kwanza government had planned on hiring goons to infiltrate protests, thus asking Kenyans not to participate in the march
- However, the United Opposition has broken its silence with a strong statement and affirmed its commitment to participating in the protests
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
The Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper Democratic Movement has addressed claims that the opposition has called for the suspension of the highly anticipated protests scheduled for Wednesday, June 25.
Source: Getty Images
Will opposition join Gen Z demos?
Kalonzo's party flagged a post which bore the logos of Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens' Party, Wiper Party, Martha Karua's People's Liberation Party, and Eugene Wamalwa's Democratic Action Party of Kenya.
The statement alleged that the members of the opposition will not be part of the Gen Z protests, a claim that Kalonzo refuted.
The opposition affirmed that they will be joining Kenyans in marching to the streets in commemoration of the Gen Z who lost their lives during the anti-Finance Bill protests.
"To those blood-based regime bloggers intent on misleading Kenyans on the United Opposition's position, know your FAKE NEWS attempt has ONLY served to galvanise Kenyans. We will be peacefully marching on June 25 in honour of our fallen heroes," the statement read in part.
The fake post further alleged that the United Opposition had asked their supporters to stay away from the protests as the Kenya Kwanza government plans to deploy goons to attack, injure and maim peaceful protesters.
"We have to preserve our soldiers and liberators, so that we all live to witness that glorious day. Going forward, therefore, we will be careful not to fall prey to the schemes of this bloodthirsty regime.
"Considering the foregoing, the United Opposition leaders and our partners in this journey of liberation wish to call on our supporters, the youth and all citizens, to stay away from tomorrow's demonstrations across the country and especially in Nairobi City," the fake statement read in part.
According to the misleading post, individuals from Korogocho, Mathare, and Kibera were transported to a central location for a briefing.
The fake statement further alleged that each of the goons was set to be paid approximately KSh 5,000 to infiltrate the protests while armed with machetes and guns.
The flagged post claimed that it would be painful to see more people die, thus requesting Gen Z not to participate in the June 25 march.
"The 25th of June is etched in our memories and written in blood in the history of this country. Indelible. Defiant. Enduring. But as responsible leaders, it will be heartbreaking to see more families cry over the dead bodies of their loved ones killed by the police and goons tomorrow. It is a tough decision that we are taking to call on our youth to stop their march of remembrance tomorrow. But because we are dealing with a tyrant, we are evading a blow. Long Live our Gallant Warriors! Long Live the Liberation Struggle! Long Live Gen Z," the fake statement further read.
Is govt planning to disrupt protests?
Elsewhere, one of the country's media outlets reported an alleged plot by top government officials to disrupt the protests.
Source: Getty Images
The plan reportedly involved hiring goons from low-income areas like Kibera and arming them with wooden clubs, which they would use to attack peaceful protesters.
The report further alleged that goons were directed to target the youth and women who would be out on the streets.
Senior United Democratic Alliance figures and City Hall operatives were named among those who plotted to sabotage the protests.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
