On Friday, March 17, the Ministry of Interior flagged a viral Gazette Notice that purported to declare Monday a public holiday.
The gazette notice was allegedly signed by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki in accordance with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s declaration of mass action.
Kenyans were allegedly granted a holiday to attend Azimio La Umoja’s mass action.
“It is notified for general information that in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 3 as read with section 2 (2) of the Public Holidays Act (Cap. 110), the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Co-ordination of National Government declares Monday, 20th March, 2023 a public holiday marking Mass Action Day,” the fake notice claimed.
Contrary to the opposition’s demands, the Ministry reiterated that March 20 was a normal working day.
Raila stated on Tuesday, March 14, in response to Narc-Kenya Leader Martha Karua’s request for a public holiday, that Azimio supporters were given the opportunity to participate in the mass action.
“We ask you, your excellency, to declare that day [Monday, 20 March] a public holiday so we can get on with this matter [anti-govt demos]. We can’t have rigged elections year in, year out,” Karua requested.
Raila immediately heeded Karua’s pleas, declaring, “I hereby now declare today in the name of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance Coalition that Monday the 20th of March will be a public holiday.”
