Kenya: Opposition Leader Raila Odinga Suspends Anti-Government Protests
The Facts
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga on Sunday evening called off a fourth anti-government rally in protest against soaring living costs and alleged election fraud, which had been scheduled for Monday.
The news came as President William Ruto urged that demonstrations be suspended — Odinga has stressed that protests would restart within a week if no significant progress is made in engagement.
The Spin
Narrative A
Despite the Kenyan people taking to the streets to protest the rising cost of living, political leaders have been deepening rifts for their own interests. Once again, Odinga is pushing the country toward instability for the selfish goal of having his political influence recognized, while Pres. Ruto cracks down on demonstrators to consolidate his power.
Narrative B
The right to protest is indeed enshrined in Kenya's constitution, but violent demonstrations are no solution to the local effects of the global economic meltdown — they can only aggravate the situation. It is about time politicians start working to build a prosperous and peaceful country.
