June 25 Maandamano: Raila condemns killings, violence

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga has condemned the violence, deaths and destruction of property witnessed during Wednesday’s protests, which left 16 people dead and at least 400 injured.

The demonstrations, which were organised by the youth to mark the first anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests during which demonstrators stormed Parliament.

On Wednesday, protests were held in at least 27 counties.

“I condemn the deaths witnessed on Wednesday. We want peace in the country,” said Mr Odinga.

He reiterated his long-held position that peaceful protests are protected by the Constitution, provided they are conducted within the confines of the law.

“Protesters do not need permission but must notify the police in good time. They should indicate the start and end times of the protests, as well as the intended routes, so they can be offered protection,” said Mr Odinga.

He also asked the police to specify appropriate time frames for demonstrations to help guide protesters.

Speaking in Sondu, Kisumu County, on Thursday evening during a meeting with leaders from Nyakach Sub-county, Mr Odinga again called for peace, while urging the government to compensate victims of police brutality.

“Our MoU with Ruto was clear: we demanded an end to police brutality, abductions and extrajudicial killings. During the Madaraka Day celebrations, I asked the government to compensate families who lost loved ones and those injured during past protests. That remains my position,” he said.

The ODM leader noted that the past two years have been marked by sustained protests by both the opposition and Gen Z activists.

His remarks came just days after President William Ruto issued a public apology to the youth during a prayer breakfast in May.

The apology, however, was met with criticism over its sincerity, given ongoing reports of abductions and enforced disappearances.

Mr Odinga said the apology alone was not enough for the country to achieve closure on the chaos, deaths, and injuries linked to past protests.

“During the prayer breakfast, I heard apologies from the Speaker and the President, which was a good first step towards reconciliation. But then there’s the issue of those who died. The government should compensate the families and the injured so that we can close this painful chapter in our national history. We want Kenyans to live in peace and unity,” said Mr Odinga.

He further warned against early political campaigns, saying they were creating unnecessary tension in the country.