KOT Reacts As Raila Declares March 20 A Public Holiday

As Azimio leader Raila Odinga declared Monday, March 20, 2023, to be a "public holiday," Kenyans responded in various ways.

This response occurred a few hours after Mr Odinga, speaking to his supporters in Siaya County on March 14, 2023, stated, "Monday, March 20 will be a public holiday in the name of Azimio one Kenya Alliance."

"Remember that we have a meeting with destiny in Nairobi on March 20, 2023. On that day, thousands of our followers from all around the nation will march through Nairobi in support of an inclusive and legal administration. Schedule a reminder," Odinga added.

Raila Odinga, picking the cue, from Martha Karua purports to declare March 20, 2023 a 'public holiday' to enable his followers to protest against the government. He has impersonated the Interior CS and could be charged for impersonation and incitement to breach of public peace pic.twitter.com/GRqAjsHz0n

— Stephen Mutoro (@smutoro) March 14, 2023

Odinga was replying to a request from Martha Karua, the leader of the NARC Kenya, asking him to proclaim the day a national holiday so that Kenyans may join the large-scale protests.

Karua had asserted that Azimio had won the presidential election. 

She claimed that the large-scale protest was being held in the interest of the electorate, whose right to vote was interfered with, not Odinga.

The Interior Minister, now Professor Kithure Kindiki, has the authority under Kenyan legislation to declare a public holiday.

Odinga and his political ally have been travelling to several counties in the spirit of a mass uprising after President William Ruto failed to adhere to his 14-day deadline for lowering living expenses.