By Peter Ochieng 

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Saturday, 18th March, 2023 responded to claims of pulling out of the Monday protests.

The demos have been called by Azimio La Umoja One Kenya leader Raila Odinga, to try and force the hand of President William Ruto’s administration into addressing a host of issues, including lowering the cost of living.

On Saturday, a poster circulating online quoted Musyoka as stating that he will not be part of the Monday protests, dubbed ‘occupy State House.’

“I would like to distance myself from maandamano (demos). My people have suffered enough under selfish individuals, and I don’t want to see them fall into that trap again,” claimed the poster, which has since been flagged as fake.

In a response, Paloma Gatabaki, Wiper Party Director of Communications said Musyoka has not chickened and will not chicken out of the demos.

“Our attention has been drawn to this image circulating in social media. This is FAKE NEWS! Kalonzo Musyoka’s stance is clear and unequivocal: Lower the cost of living and end electoral malpractice. No amount of intimidation will alter our stand,” she said.

“The buffalo soldier (Kalonzo Musyoka) is strong and determined. No amount of intimidation will hinder our stand,” she added.

Meanwhile, Odinga insists that the protests are on as planned.

He said it is not that he likes to call for mass action, but has been forced to do so owing to President William Ruto’s failure to reduce the cost of living.

“When they got into power, they promised to lower the cost of living and promised to deal with it within the first 90 days. They forgot the promise they made to the people,” he told VOA Swahili.

The government says security will be tight on Monday, to prevent destruction of property during the protests.