Kenya government withdraws security attached to opposition leaders ahead of protests

By Stephen Letoo, NAIROBI Kenya

The government of Kenya, has withdrawn security attached to opposition coalition's Azimio La Umoja Party leader Raila Odinga ahead of his planned anti-government protests starting Wednesday this week.

Security withdrawn includes more than 10 police officers that protect him on his daily duties as well as those guarding his homes in Nairobi, Kisumu and Siaya as former country's Prime Minister.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (former Vice President) and more than 50 Azimio Members of Parliament have also had their security withdrawn by the State.

Odinga had on Sunday raised concerns over claims that the government has hatched a plot to harm the Azimio leaders when they lead the demos this week.

In a tweet Monday evening  Odinga posted: “Starting on Wednesday, be ready for the game-changing maandamano. Tumechoka.”

Four Nyanza governors, Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, James Orengo of Siaya, Prof. Anyang Nyong’o of Kisumu and Ochilo Ayacko of Migori all have also had their security directed to report to Kisumu ahead of the countrywide three-day mass demonstrations.

Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi has told Citizen TV that more than 50 MPs allied to Azimio have also had their security recalled and ordered to report to Parliament Police Station.

"Our security has been withdrawn without notice...we don’t care our security comes from God..,” said Wandayi.

Earlier in the day, the Azimio MPs held a Parliamentary Group meeting and insisted that the planned three-day marathon protests will go on as planned despite the intimidation.