Nairobi: Anti-Riot Police Disrupt Raila Odinga's 79th Birthday Celebration In CBD

• Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga is celebrating his 79th birthday on Sunday, January 7
• However, the celebrations in Nairobi were cut short after anti-riot police officers dispersed Raila's supporters using tear gas
• Opposition leaders condemned the action by the police, saying it was unnecessary to interrupt a peaceful function

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi: Anti-riot police officers have disrupted birthday celebrations for ODM leader Raila Odinga in the Nairobi Central Business District.

On Sunday, January 7, police officers tear-gassed supporters of the former prime minister, who had gathered around Nairobi Archives for the cake-cutting ceremony.

Those who had gathered were forced to flee the area, and the officers who were lobbing tear gas canisters ordered them to leave.

How Azimio leaders reacted to police action

At some point, the organisers pleaded with the police to allow them to carry the cake away, but the determined officers continued firing tear gas.

“Wacha tuchukue keki! Wacha tuchukue keki!” one of the organisers was heard pleading with the police.

Leaders allied to the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party and other Kenyans took to social media to condemn the action by the police.

Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi said the government was scared because Kenyans are angry with President William Ruto's administration.

"The police turned up and tear-gassed our supporters. The government is scared because of tension and Kenyans who have no money as schools reopen," Wanyonyi said.

Edwin Sifuna:

"This is the height of pettiness. Kama ulitaka ukatiwe keki si ungesema tu ."

Philip Etale:

"The cops under the command of Central Police Station OCS Mr. Shikuku were so petty. Quite unreasonable. Sad."

Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC:

"IG KOOME (if he is still in office) must bring those riotous officers who disrupted this ceremony to book."

How Jalang'o celebrated Raila's birthday

Meanwhile, Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, alias Jalang'o, is among the leaders who celebrated Raila's birthday.

Jalango shared a photo he took with the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader and showered him with praise. The first-time MP acknowledged Raila's support, saying he was forever indebted.

"Happy birthday, Jakom! Happy birthday Baba! Happy 79th Agwambo! Thank you for everything! Forever indebted! You are a good man you will go to heaven," he said.