WE WON'T TAKE A BLAME FOR ANY VIOLENCE-HON RAILA AMOLLO ODINGA

"If there will be any form of violence, it will not be us. It will be other persons."
Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga. Image: FILE
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has said they will not take the blame should their mass action on Monday be marred with violence.


Raila said the coalition has instructed its supporters to be peaceful during the countrywide protests.

"Kama kutakuwa na vurugu yoyote, mtu ataumia, hatuwezi kulaumiwa sisi. Ni wale watafanya hayo ndio watalaumiwa," he said.

(If there will be any violence leading to anyone getting injured, we will not take the blame. It is those who will be responsible that should be blamed.)


Raila spoke during an interview with TV 47 which aired on Saturday.

The ODM leader pointed out that as concerns violence during their protests, this would not be the first incident if it happens on Monday.

In 2017, he said some of his supporters were murdered and others injured by the police.

"In 2017, a lot of people died...We went to City Mortuary and there were 27 dead supporters. We also had people in hospitals including KNH, Nairobi Women," he said.

"Some had gun injuries on their arms and stomachs."

Raila reiterated his call to the police to not be used against Azimio supporters, saying that they are Kenyans and protesting is their fight.

The ODM leader said those who will be participating in the 'grand march to save the nation' will be carrying white kerchiefs and the Kenyan flag to show that they are peaceful people.

"I want to tell Kenyans. If there will be any form of violence, it will not be us. It will be other persons. I want to assure our business people that Azimio wants to grow our economy," Raila reiterated.

He said the Azimio coalition's agenda was to fight for the citizens not to cause them harm.

Raila said the protests have not been funded by any single individual, rather through a fundraiser by supporters.