Opposition leaders Raila Odinga and Martha Karua have told off the Inspector General of police Japhet Koome over his decree that the planned protests by Azimio la Umoja are illegal.

In a church service at the Jesus Teaching Ministry on Sunday, Odinga warned the IG against unleashing violence, daring the police boss to arrest.

“Bwana Koome, koma kabisa na usilete fujo na vurugu kesho. He says they can arrest anyone… don’t send the police, come face me by yourself because I will be ready at the frontline,” Raila said.

On her part, Karua said she overcame threats during former President Daniel Moi’s régime, and that she cannot be cowed.

“You have said that you can handcuff us tomorrow, come handcuff me. Tomorrow will be your day to handcuff me without any mistake. But your day will come, where you will be handcuffed for your mistakes. You will be punished according to the constitution,” Karua said.

She further rallied Kenyans to turn out in large numbers for the Monday protests since they are protected by the law.

“No harm shall befall any of us or demonstrators. We are going to march peacefully as our constitution say and we shall not entertain any message meant to set us back,” she said.

Karua further told off IG Koome, saying it is not the mandate of police to grant permission for demonstrations.

“You will follow the constitution like we do. The constitution does not say we ask for permission to demonstrate, it says we give a notice,” Karua said.

You will be cursed

Further, the Narc-Kenya chief reiterated the constitutional right to hold demonstrations.

“We have not asked you for permission, the permission is protected by the constitution. Stop disturbing our peaceful protests. If you cause unrest, you will be cursed,” she added.

She warned President William Ruto against overseeing “violations of human rights” in Kenya.

“If you were duly elected, why do you fear the people? If you were duly elected, open the servers.”

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