The Kenya Kwanza government is facing pressure as the country's opposition has taken to the streets to protest against the soaring cost of living. Led by Raila Odinga, the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition organized a demonstration on July 7, coinciding with Sabasaba Day. This event revived the discussions on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and called for electoral reforms.
Sabasaba Day holds historical significance as it commemorates the nationwide protests that occurred on July 7, 1990. These protests demanded greater democratic freedoms and the establishment of a multi-party system.
Raila Odinga addressed the protesters at Mukuru Kwa Njenga in Nairobi before moving to Kamukunji Grounds. He accused former IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati of engaging in "electoral malpractices" prior to the general elections held on August 9, 2022. Odinga, who contested the presidency through the Azimio coalition but lost to Dr. William Ruto (Kenya Kwanza), now the President of Kenya, expressed his belief that Chebukati should be held accountable for his actions.
"Wafula Chebukati should be jailed for what he did," Odinga said.
Although Azimio challenged the presidential results in the Supreme Court, their petition was dismissed, and President Ruto's victory was upheld. The announcement of the final presidential results was met with division among IEBC commissioners. Vice Chair Juliana Cherera, Francis Wanderi, Irene Masit, and Justus Nyang'aya rejected the results, leading to their resignation and the dismissal of others due to pressure from Kenya Kwanza allied leaders and politicians.
Raila Odinga emphasized the demand for the reinstatement of the "Cherera 4" commissioners, expressing his support for ODM party's position.
"We want the Cherera 4 reinstated," insisted Raila Odinga, the ODM party’s leader The opposition caravan faced several dispersals by the police, who used teargas canisters.
Raila Odinga was joined by Martha Karua (Narc-Kenya), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Eugene Wamalwa, Wycliffe Oparanya, and various other opposition leaders and politicians during the protest.
