Kenya: Opposition leader Odinga calls off anti-government protests

April 3, 2023 Elwin Mandowa

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has called off anti-government protests planned for this week.

He said on Sunday that he was ready for talks after an appeal from President William Ruto. Odinga however warned that demonstrations could restart in coming days.

Thousands have joined three marches over the past two weeks against high living costs and alleged fraud in last year’s vote.

The former Kenyan prime minister was reportedly attacked at last week’s protest. Mr. Odinga claimed that his car was shot at seven times during anti-government protests and said it was an attempt on his life.

Mr. Odinga criticised the international community for allegedly ignoring human rights abuses by the authorities during the protests.

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All the protests have been marred by violence and a fourth rally was scheduled for Monday.

Earlier on Sunday, President Ruto asked Odinga to call off the protests. He then defended his administration’s record, and said there could be bipartisan reform to the election commission – one of the opposition’s central demands.

Address to the Nation https://t.co/tcqKPhIDsf

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 2, 2023

“We stand down our demonstrations for Monday – that is…. April 3, 2023,” Odinga told a press conference.

The opposition has been pushing for reforms to the electoral commission, including stronger assurances that the president can’t pack the body with supporters.

“We agree that a balanced parliamentary process co-chaired by both sides and backed by experts from outside should proceed,” Odinga said.

Odinga said he saw Ruto’s statement as an olive branch and a “positive development”.