Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga mesmerised the crowds in Embakasi East on Thursday as he spearheaded the anti-government protests.

Raila and his convoy made a brief stop at Imara Daima and Mukuru kwa Njenga, where he and other Azimio leaders addressed their supporters and joined the protesters in singing songs of dissent. 

While addressing the gathering, Raila led the singing of the protest song "sitarudi nyuma" and declared that they were undaunted by the possibility of facing police action.

“Even if I get kicked, I will not retreat, even if I am they lob tear gas on me I will not retreat, even if Ruto imprisons me, I will not retreat,” Raila chanted.

After his address, his supporters broke into chanting anti-Ruto slogans.

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"Ruto must go, Ruto must go, Ruto must go," the supporters sang.

Earlier, it had been reported that the police along Mombasa Road obstructed Raila's convoy, forcing them to reroute to Imara Daima.

The police had positioned themselves along major roads within Nairobi and highways in preparation for the demonstrations.

In addition, a contingent of police cordoned off Jacaranda grounds, which had been anticipated to be Raila's final destination for the third leg of his anti-government demos over the high cost of living in the country.

They were prepared with water cannons to repel any advances into the grounds by the protestors.


However, Raila's quest to lead his supporters into Nairobi's Central Business District was met with opposition as anti-riot police tear-gassed his convoy at the Pipeline area, causing protesters to scatter for safety.

Pipeline residents showed their solidarity with the protestors who were scampering for safety by pouring water on them to neutralise the effect of the tear gas.

Despite the setback, Raila affirmed their determination to proceed into the CBD, stating that their movement was unstoppable.

“No matter the number of police they deploy, Azimio will make headway. We are bringing the voice of redemption from a dictatorial administration,” Raila said.

“We want clean leadership, Kenyans want liberation.” 

However, he was forced to take a detour and head to the Eastern Bypass, perhaps for safety or as part of his contingency plan.

Martha Karua, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other opposition leaders accompanied Raila.