During a press briefing held in Nairobi on Saturday, the leaders of the Kenya One Alliance coalition, known as Azimio la Umoja, expressed their commitment to maintaining a peaceful stance during the protests.

They emphasized that the opposition is unwilling to engage with the Kenya Kwanza government, citing recent brutality committed against citizens, particularly condemning the police attacks on civilians in specific areas.

The press conference, led by Kalonzo Musyoka and Mwangi wa Iria, also addressed their engagement with foreign ambassadors, including representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the United Nations.

"#Maandamano protests against the high cost of living will take place on Wednesday next week from 6am to 6pm,” added Kalonzo Musyoka.

A key demand put forth by the opposition officials was the immediate release of all detained opposition leaders and supporters.

Over the past three weeks, the ongoing public protests organized by the opposition have resulted in more than 20 fatalities and the arrest of approximately 600 individuals across Kenya.

The core issue prompting the countrywide protests is the opposition’s call for the repeal of a finance law that has led to new tax increases. The rise in taxes has notably inflated fuel prices to an all-time high, as the government implemented a doubling of the value-added tax on petroleum products to 16 percent. Consequently, the cost of food has also skyrocketed, exacerbating the financial burden on citizens.

The Kenyan government has labeled the protests as a threat to national security, responding with police excessive force to disperse protesters on the streets.

In contrast, Western envoys from 13 countries issued a joint statement on Tuesday, calling for dialogue between the opposition and the government. They expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and destruction of property that has occurred during the protests.