Multiple demonstrations are anticipated to occur nationwide on Wednesday, as various groups will take to the streets to express their grievances. Citizen Digital has compiled a list of scheduled protests for that day, starting with the anti-government protests organized by the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition.
During the Saba Saba protests on Friday, July 7, the coalition’s leader, Raila Odinga, announced their intention to escalate the demonstrations. Odinga also condemned the violence that transpired during the Friday protests, stating that his vehicle was damaged by police gunfire.
Odinga emphasized that the people of Kenya have the constitutional right to protest, demonstrate, and petition. According to Article 1 of the Constitution, sovereignty in Kenya resides in the people, who can exercise it directly or through their elected representatives.
Another group planning to participate in the demonstrations is the long-distance drivers, who are protesting against new regulations imposed by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). These rules mandate all Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and commercial vehicle drivers to undergo mandatory re-tests. The drivers argue that this requirement, specifically the need to take a new test for driving trucks, is discriminatory. They also raise concerns about the poor state of roads in the country and allegations of harassment by traffic police officers.
Joining the long-distance drivers are the PSV operators, who share the same frustrations regarding the re-testing order from NTSA.
Boda-boda operators, representing motorcycle taxi services, will also participate in the protests. They have their own set of grievances, including high fuel prices, low pay rates from digital companies, and alleged intimidation by traffic police.
The taxi-hailing industry is yet another group planning to take to the streets. They argue that the government has not adequately addressed their concerns, particularly regarding the issues of high fuel prices, pay rates from digital companies, and harassment by traffic police officers.
