Kenya on the Brink: Raila Odinga Declares Nationwide Mass Action Amid Rising Tensions

 Dressed in full combat gear, Raila Amolo Odinga, leader of the Azimio coalition, officially launched nationwide mass action on March 9, 2023, following his 14-day ultimatum. For many Azimio supporters, the announcement was met with mixed reactions. While some expected immediate action, others recognized the strategic advantage of a prolonged and calculated campaign against the government.

Odinga’s approach appears to focus on sustained efforts across various battlegrounds, ensuring resilience in the face of government responses. This strategy was unveiled alongside two significant appointments by the Ruto administration. Monica Juma, currently serving as National Security Advisor, was appointed Secretary to the National Security Council, the country’s top security organ. Former Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett was named her deputy. These appointments signal a clear intent by the government to counter the looming mass action with swift, coordinated responses.

Boinett, with a rich background in Kenya’s security apparatus, particularly in handling civil unrest, is expected to play a pivotal role in the administration's strategy. Monica Juma, leveraging her expertise in defense and internal security, is likely to act as the coordinator of these efforts.

Odinga’s fiery speech revisited past grievances, including the 2007 post-election violence and the ICC cases involving President William Ruto. His rhetoric underscored a no-compromise stance, ruling out any possibility of a political handshake, unlike the 2018 détente with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The 2023 mass action differs significantly from the 2017 protests. Then, Kenyans still had economic stability and livelihoods to lose, whereas the current economic crisis has left many citizens with little to risk. The coalition backing Odinga now includes other prominent leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka and George Wajackoyah, further amplifying the scale and diversity of support.

Ruto's administration faces mounting challenges, including drought, a biting dollar shortage, and rising discontent. The government's reliance on brute force, as seen in its recent security appointments, raises concerns about an impending confrontation with potentially catastrophic consequences.

Observers fear that, unlike 2017, this wave of discontent could spiral out of control, particularly as Azimio supporters grow increasingly emboldened. The administration’s strategy appears misaligned with the national outcry that transcends tribal affiliations, reflecting a broader dissatisfaction with the country's governance.

The next two weeks are poised to redefine Kenya, whether or not demonstrations intensify. With disruptions to daily life expected—ranging from picketing and boycotts to strikes—Kenya’s already precarious situation teeters on the edge. The unfolding mass action, coupled with the country’s economic woes, paints a grim picture of a nation bracing for turbulent times.

As tensions rise, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher, and the cost of this confrontation could be monumental. God help Kenya