The Peoples’ leader Raila Odinga got a resounding support from Rift Valley for the upcoming SabaSaba rally to force president Uhuru convene a national DIALOGUE foRUM where Kenyans will discuss the country’s destiny.
Prime Minister Raila told President Uhuru Kenyatta to respond quickly to demands for national dialogue, saying time is running out as the much-hyped Saba Saba rally nears. Raila was speaking in Eldoret in a rally that had been dogged by security fears following a ban by local leaders led by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago. The rally was, however, peaceful as security was beefed up and no ugly incidents were reported.
the former Prime Minister said the “animal called IEBC must go home.â€
“We must have a fair referee to avoid problems that affected other countries like the Ivory Coast because of a bad electoral system,†said the Cord leader.
Raila also said the Jubilee government has failed to provide security for Kenyans. He said it is the responsibility of any government to protect lives and property of all Kenyans.
“They have always promised to take action but nothing has been done and that shows they have been unable to take care of the security of Kenyans,†said Raila adding that the insecurity incidents in Coast region, Baringo ,Marsabit, Mandera, Busia and other areas were annoying Kenyans.
Raila further said that poverty has increased beyond comprehension under the Jubilee regime.
The opposition leader demanded the implementation of the TJRC report saying that there can be “no peace without justice.â€
Raila also told the rally “Hata nipigwe mateke sitarudi nyuma†(Even if I am kicked I will not turn back.)
Cord co-principal Moses Wetangula who also addressed the rally said the coalition was not interested in overthrowing the government but would work to defeat President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto during the next elections.
Wetangula said the government was intimidating some leaders using claims of hate speech against them. The Bungoma senator said the dialogue proposed by Cord was meant to help rectify issues going wrong in the country.
“Saba Saba is almost near and we have asked them that we go on the table but they are delaying,†said Wetangula adding that Cord would have the mother of all rallies at Uhuru Park on the July 7th if the government does not engage with Cord in dialogue.
Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo who also addressed the rally faulted Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago for first banning then allowing today’s rally to take place in Eldoret.
“Jackson Mandago can go to hell. He has no authority to give us right to hold rallies,†said Midiwo.
He further told the rally that people who had settled in the Mau forest are now being evicted by the Jubilee administration over claims that their title deeds are fake.