Jubilee Party honours opposition’s ‘public holiday’ declaration for mass protests
Jubilee Party has declared Monday, March 20, a public holiday, in compliance with the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition’s leader, Raila Odinga’s directive.
This is in support of the coalition party’s call for mass protests to demand accountability and change from the current government.
In an internal memo seen by NTV digital, the party’s Secretary-General, Jeremiah Kioni stated that all Jubilee Party offices will remain closed on Monday.
“Please note that Monday, March 20, 2023, is to be considered a public holiday. As such our Headquarters at Jubilee House, Kileleshwa as well as all our county, constituency, and ward offices will remain closed,” read the memo in part.
Kioni urged the party officials and individuals to participate in what he termed as the ‘People’s Grand March’ on Monday.
“I urge you as party officials and in your individual capacity to turn up and shore up support to the People’s grand march on that day,” he said.
However, the opposition leader’s declaration of a public holiday has raised concerns about its legality. According to the law, only the Interior Cabinet Secretary has the authority to declare a public holiday.
Speaking during a rally in Siaya on Tuesday, Raila Odinga defended his decision, saying, “In the name of Azimio one Kenya Alliance, we declare that Monday, March 20 will be a public holiday.”
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi called on employers to release their employees to participate in the mass action.
The coalition party is demanding change on various issues, including the rising cost of living, state appointment discrimination, the privatization of government institutions, and the audit of IEBC servers.
As the country prepares for the mass protests, security has been heightened in major cities, including the capital Nairobi.
The police have warned that they will not tolerate any acts of violence or destruction of property during the demonstrations.