Members of the GEMA and Nairobi Business Community during a past media address As tension rises between the opposition and the government, a showdown between Azimio supporters and members of the "Nairobi Business Community" appears to be on the horizon.
On Sunday, Azimio leader Raila Odinga is set to host a massive rally in Kibera, Nairobi, as part of his ongoing efforts to pressure the Kenya Kwanza administration to resign.
Raila, who recently declared he does not recognize President William Ruto and his government, has scheduled a series of public engagements, known as "people's barazas," in an effort to rally supporters against the current administration.
However, the Nairobi Business Community, which some regard as a camouflaged version of the dreaded "Mungiki Gang" is not taking these rallies lightly.
Speaking on Wednesday, the group warned that the planned demonstrations, disguised as protests, could lead to chaos and lawlessness.
They stated that the Nairobi Business Community is prepared to resist any attempts by Odinga's supporters to disrupt their enterprises and that they will "meet them with equal measure." “Should they put their threats into practice, we want to assure them that we are not moved. They will meet the Nairobi Business Community, ready to resist them with equal measure,” a spokesperson of the group said.
The members say they have businesses in downtown Nairobi, especially around the Kirinyaga Road, River Road section and claim that whenever demonstrators are chased by the police, they pass near their shops on their way back to the estates and scare away customers.
With both sides unwilling to back down, it appears that a confrontation between Azimio supporters and the group is imminent.
National Assembly Majority Leader Opiyo Wandayi has released the schedule for these anti-Ruto rallies, as the relationship between the state and the opposition continues to sour.
After the rally in Kibera, the Azimio team will then head to Machakos to hold a rally on the home turf of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, marking their first rally outside of the capital city.
Wandayi has called on the public to attend these barazas and address the critical challenges facing the country, including the rising cost of living and the government's lack of action on the issue. “We appeal to the public to attend these Barazas and deliberate on the critical challenges facing our country. The cost of living is up and still rising but the government is doing nothing about it,” Wandayi announced.