Opposition Leaders Dismiss Claims of Withdrawing from June 25 Protests
Leading figures from Kenya’s opposition camp have vehemently denied viral claims suggesting they had called off today’s nationwide protests. The allegations, widely circulated on social media, alleged that the leaders were withdrawing from the June 25 demonstrations over fears of infiltration by criminal elements.
The Wiper Democratic Movement, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, discredited the viral post on Tuesday, describing it as fake and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. The post had alleged that opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, warned of a government-backed plot to unleash goons and criminals on peaceful protesters.
“This is a cheap propaganda stunt by state-affiliated bloggers,” said Kalonzo Musyoka in a statement. “We want to assure Kenyans that the United Opposition is fully committed to the June 25 peaceful protests. We will be on the streets, side by side with the people, in honour of our fallen heroes.”
The dismissed post claimed that groups from informal settlements such as Kibera, Mathare, and Korogocho were being mobilized and briefed ahead of their deployment to disrupt the protests. It even alleged that 500 individuals from the North Rift were being sworn in a forest in Nakuru County to cause chaos in exchange for Ksh5,000.
However, the opposition has strongly refuted these claims. According to Kalonzo, the misinformation campaign was designed to discourage citizens from participating in the protests and to delegitimize the opposition’s call for justice and accountability.
“To those blood-based regime bloggers intent on misleading Kenyans on the United Opposition’s position on tomorrow, know your fake news attempt has only served to galvanise Kenyans,” he added.
Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Fred Matiang’i were among the opposition leaders present at a strategic meeting on Tuesday evening. They reiterated their commitment to today’s protests and urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers, emphasizing that the demonstrations would remain peaceful.
Today’s protests mark one year since last year’s nationwide demonstrations that saw dozens of youth killed in confrontations with police. This year’s marches are expected to take place across major towns, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret, as citizens honour the lives lost and continue to demand justice.
Security remains tight in Nairobi, with visible police presence along Jogoo Road and other protest hotspots. Nonetheless, organizers insist that the protests are peaceful and constitutionally protected.
“We are not backing down,” said a statement from the People’s Liberation Party. “The lives lost last year will not be in vain. Kenya must never forget.”
The opposition has urged protesters to remain calm, avoid confrontations, and document any attempts at disruption. As of this morning, large crowds had already started gathering in Nairobi and Kisumu, signalling a significant turnout despite the misinformation attempts.
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Opposition Leaders Dismiss Claims of Withdrawing from June 25 Protests