Azimio coalition stated on February 12 that it had postponed the rally set to be held in Kisii on Monday, February 13.
The postponement came after former prime minister Raila Odinga received a warning from several Kisii political figures not to stage protests in the area.
Azimio coalition did not acknowledge if the decision was because of the resistance from leaders from the Kisii region.
The choice was reached following extensive deliberations, according to Kerosi Ondieki, chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Kisii County.
Ondieki, however, asked regional leaders to back ODM and Azimio’s plans adding that if members from the area agree, the rally would be scheduled for Friday, February 17.
James Ongwae, a former governor of Kisii, said on Sunday, February 12, that Azimio demonstrations would have a negative impact on the area and that there was no room for protests.
“We want to give everyone a chance to attend Azimio rallies and share their opinion because this is an ODM stronghold,” he stated.
“President William Ruto has been visiting different regions in the country and initiating development projects. We do not want demonstrations that will cause uneasiness which will prevent the President from visiting our region and giving our share of development project,” he remarked.
President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi have been pushing to win over regional kingpins to the government and reduce Raila’s authority
