Supporters of Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga faced teargas from anti-riot police while celebrating his 79th birthday at the National Archives in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).
The incident, captured in a video circulating on social media, depicts celebrants being scattered amidst chaos, with some defiantly shouting, "wacha tuchukue cake" (let us cut the cake).
Celebrating a birthday in kenya is an offence punishable by teargas#happybirthday #baba#raila pic.twitter.com/SaPknAqFKx— Hon. Caleb Amisi, MP (@Honcalebamisi) January 7, 2024
Philip Etale, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director, condemned the attack, claiming that the cops also fired live ammunition in the air to disperse the crowd.
"Police in anti-riot gear have attacked peaceful Kenyans outside the National Archives as they were celebrating Raila Odinga’s birthday. They lobbed tear gas canisters and shot live bullets in the air. They were led by OCPD for Central. We can't tell (whether anyone is injured) because they were just shooting at anyone and everyone on site. The intention was to scuttle the whole thing," Etale stated.
According to Etale, the citizens had assembled with the simple intention of celebrating Raila Odinga's birthday joyously and peacefully.
"You know people were just peaceful. The citizens were waiting to cut the cake, celebrate and eat then they went. But the police officers just said they got orders from above."
Raila calls for tax reduction on his birthday
Raila celebrated his 79th birthday by urging the Kenya Kwanza administration to reduce the cost of living.
The opposition leader organized cake-cutting ceremonies across the country, symbolizing the need to make life more affordable for Kenyans.
Some cakes were decorated with messages calling for the government to address issues like lowering taxes on fuel and food.
The opposition also urged President William Ruto's government to review the housing levy and taxes.
The cake-cutting events took place at various locations, emphasizing the opposition's message to alleviate the financial burden on citizens.
Raila will mark his birthday in Malindi, Kilifi county, at the residence of former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho.
