Official statements or press releases from Raila Odinga, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, or Kenyan government

Kenyan Court Approves KDF Deployment in 47 Counties Amid Protests, Raila Odinga Opposes

Jun 29, 2024, 06:13 PM

A Kenyan court has approved the deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to address ongoing protests across the country. Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that the deployment will cover all 47 counties and aims to maintain peace and order. The government issued a gazette notice confirming the deployment, which will continue until normalcy is restored. Duale emphasized that the KDF will adhere to constitutional standards, ensuring minimal disruption to daily life. However, the move has faced opposition from Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga, who condemned the court's decision and criticized the presence of the military on the streets as a sign of failed civilian authority. Odinga also condemned police brutality during the anti-government demonstrations and called on Kenyans to stand firm in their quest to fight for their rights. Thuku Mburu, a Programme Officer at ICJ Kenya, also questioned the necessity of the deployment, stating that the protests do not warrant a state of emergency.