Kenya's opposition leader calls off anti-government protests

NAIROBI, Kenya

Kenyan opposition leader, Raila Odinga on Sunday called off demonstrations planned for Monday April 2nd and said his party would sit down for 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 announcement came after President William Ruto urged the opposition to cancel their protest and participate in a bipartisan discussion to work through their concerns related to last year's elections.

Odinga has accused Ruto of stealing the presidency and considers his government illegitimate, although the Supreme Court of Kenya upheld the results.

The opposition leader welcomed Ruto's "olive branch" but warned they could resume protests if progress was not made.

"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."

Three people have died since Odinga called protesters to the street for the first time on March 20, vowing to march every Monday and Thursday until their concerns are met.

The protests triggered clashes with riot police firing tear gas and water cannon at demonstrators, while many businesses have been looted and property vandalised.