Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga has denied assertions by President William Ruto that goons participated in the Anti-Finance Bill 2024 countrywide protests.

The Opposition leader wants the National Police Service to take full responsibility for the deaths and injuries registered during the unrest, and at the same time faulting the courts for allowing military deployment within civilian spaces. 

Odinga faulted the Judiciary’s interpretation of military’s mandate in the country. 

“The military are not supposed to be in the streets. The Army is supposed to protect the civilians against external aggressors,” he noted. 

Speaking during the funeral service of the late Luo Council of Elders Secretary, late Mzee Owino Nyadi in Ugunja, Siaya County, the Opposition leader stated that involving the military in community policing means that the civilian authority in the country has failed.

“This means that the civilian authority in this country has failed,” said Odinga. 

Raila demanded action be taken against rogue police officers, directly responsible for the massacre of protesters during the demonstrations, adding that such trigger-happy officers are criminals who needs to be dealt with in accordance to the law. 

“Which goons are they? Who sent the goons? Police are not supposed to be shooting to kill people, ”Odinga stated. 

The Opposition leader, called on the youth to continue engaging in meaningful conversation and debate regarding proper leadership and accountability of public resources. 

“We support the young people to keep on with the accountability momentum,” he added.