Kenya's Azimio La Umoja One leader Raila Odinga has declared that he will not be intimidated by Kithure Kindiki's threats about the coalition's large demonstrations.
Odinga asserted that Kindiki had no authority under the constitution to send out Police at Azimio La Umoja protests in Likoni, Mombasa County.
"He's warning me to be careful because the action will take course against Raila. Our Constitution does not permit the Interior CS to command police forces". "Police are autonomous," he declared.
The opposition leader reminded the interior cabinet secretary that the Azimio Coalition had faced more significant threats before and still prevailed over them in the struggle for democracy.
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"Kindiki, you don't know me, but you were a tiny child back then when we struggled for democracy in this nation. It would help if you commended us for battling for freedom to come since the democracy we currently enjoy wasn't there before", said Odinga.
He pleaded with the Police to show respect for the large-scale protests starting on March 20 to topple President William Ruto's "illegitimate" administration.
"Because we are the only ones qualified to consider their welfare, I want the Police to respect us. Once we win government, we will consider the welfare of the Police, who currently earn extremely low pay. For them, we'll construct lovely homes", declared Odinga.
Kindiki has warned the Raila Odinga-led campaign not to disobey the law while protesting.
The head of the Interior Department stated that as long as the protestors kept the peace, they had the right to demonstrate.
"I don't deal with those who hold demonstrations. Frankly, The CS responded that I don't mind as long as they maintain law and order".
"The Ministry of Interior's full force will not bear on them "the day they will try to infringe the law, to breach the peace, or to provoke public disorder," Kindiki continued.
Odinga proclaimed the start of widespread civil disobedience and protests against the Kenya Kwanza government on March 7, when the government failed to address their complaints within the allotted 14 days.
Insisting that the Kenya Kwanza government is unconstitutional, Odinga urged supporters to attend the protests while being flanked by other coalition leaders.
In order to remove the Ruto-led government, he invited all workers, medical professionals, educators, nurses, lecturers, students, and business community members to participate in the mass action.
Odinga declared that the start of the mass action was "officially" today.
He said there would be widespread demonstrations of disobedience, boycotts, nonviolent protests, and strikes.
According to Odinga, the mass protest will close with a final gathering in Nairobi on March 20, 2023, where all the followers will congregate for coordinated protests.
We have a date with destiny on March 20, when supporters from around the country will demonstrate peacefully in Nairobi against this oppressive government, he said.
He added, "Save the date and let the action start now".
