Kenya: Opposition Leader Calls Off Anti-Government Protests

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga on Sunday called off demonstrations planned for Monday and said his party would sit down for a dialogue with the government after two weeks of protests.

"We stand down our demonstrations for Monday, that is tomorrow, April 3, 2023. 

"But in doing so, we want to emphasise that the right to assemble, to demonstrate, petition, and speak are iron-clad as provided for in our constitution," the veteran opposition leader told reporters.

The statement came after President William Ruto encouraged the opposition to abandon their demonstration and join a nonpartisan legislative committee to address their worries about the elections last year.

Odinga has accused Ruto of stealing the presidency and believes his government to be illegitimate, even though the results were affirmed by the Kenyan Supreme Court.

The opposition leader hailed Ruto's "olive branch," but cautioned that if progress was not made, demonstrations would restart.

"We reserve our right to call for demonstrations should this process not bear fruit," he added.

"Should there be no meaningful engagement or response from Hon (Honourable) Ruto to our counter-offer, we resolve to resume our demonstrations after one week."

Since Odinga convened protesters to the streets for the first time on March 20, pledging to march every Monday and Thursday until their worries are addressed, three persons have died.

Riot police fired tear gas and water cannons at protesters, and many businesses were looted and the property was vandalized as a result of the demonstrations.