Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga has asked Kenyans to boycott products from three companies he claims are in bed with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, the opposition leader called on his supporters to shun services and products from telecommunications company Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Radio Africa's Star newspaper as part of the ongoing mass action in the country.
The former prime minister alleged that the three firms were enablers and facilitators of President William Ruto's "brutal regime".
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"We call for the boycott of Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank and Radio Africa media, particularly the Star Newspaper who have become enablers and facilitators of this brutal regime. These corporates have become the enemies of the people and are benefiting from the blood and tears of Kenyans," Raila stated.
At the same time, Raila said the anti-government protests that began yesterday will continue on Monday and Thursday from next week to force the government to lower the cost of living as well as act on proposed electoral reforms.
"Fellow Kenyans, in the second phase of our protest, and in response to public demand, we shall now hold the protests every Monday and Thursday beginning next week," he said.
Raila's declaration comes barely two weeks after he threatened to lead Kenyans in boycotting products from some companies "aligned" with the government.
Addressing a rally in Migori county on March 10, the opposition chief said some companies in the country were being "misused" by the Kenya Kwanza administration, which he insists did not win last year's presidential election.
"Safaricom inatumiwa vibaya sana na hawa watu. Week ijayo tutatoa notice kwao. Week ijayo tutaambia nyinyi vile tutafanya na Safaricom. Kuna Kampuni kadhaa ambazo tunajua zinatumiwa vibaya na hawa watu. Tutawaambia hiyo kampuni muache hii chakula muache hii gazeti msinunue hii redio msisikize. Hayo yote yanakuja. Kuna bidhaa kadhaa. Makao yetu makuu yatatoa taarifa," Raila said.
Loosely translated: "Safaricom is being misused by these people. We shall issue a notice next week of what we will do with the companies that are being misused by the State. We shall tell you which food, newspapers and radio to boycott."
The former prime minister has listed five reasons for the opposition's calls for mass action, including the high cost of living, electoral injustice, nepotism in state appointments, the sacking of civil servants and defence for democracy.
