If the opposition chief Raila Odinga ultimately withdraws his street protests as urged by the government, he would have lost his opposition muscles and relevance, political expert and scholar Dr.Fred Ogola now argues. In an exclusive interview with K24, Ogola claimed that the protests are Raila’s strategic move to coerce the government due to the fact that it has direct negative impact to the economy.
Ogola argued that it is the reason why Raila still call for protests despite being offered a platform for negotiation.
“Raila’s biggest card is the economy. This maandamano is an economic missile. He has discovered that the only language Kenya Kwanza listens to is maandamano and if he withdraws, he will become powerless. ” Ogola affirmed.
This was in reaction to the Azimio La Umoja’s reinstated current protests where the team led by Raila Odinga called back their supporters to the streets. The opposition vowed to go the demonstration way despite government’s initial warning. Nairobi Central Business District was vividly affected as the empty streets indicated the inactivity in the city. Moreover, in Kisumu CBD, there was a battle between police and protesters who clashed at the streets.
by: Journalist_Aggrey