Opposition plotting to destabilise State through protests, claim MPs

Jubilee legislators have accused their Opposition counterparts of insincerity in their push to kick out electoral body’s officials.

More than 10 MPs claimed the aim of CORD leaders in their protests against the Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (IEBC) is to destabilise the Government ahead of next year’s polls.

Speaking yesterday after a meeting of Jubilee Party steering committee members, the MPs led by Kabando Wa Kabando (Mukurwe-ini) and Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) said the Opposition is not interested in reforming IEBC.

Members of Jubilee Party Steering Committee, from left, Kabando wa Kabando, Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso, Noah Wekesa, Benjamin Washiali and Kiraitu Murungi among others address the media yesterday in Nairobi. The Jubilee legislators have accused their Opposition counterparts of insincerity in their push to kick out electoral body’s officials. (PHOTO: MOSES OMUSULA/ STANDARD)

“What CORD is fighting for is not about IEBC, it is about a conspiracy to destabilise and overthrow the constitutional order and upset the sovereign will of the people of Kenya,” said Kabando.

He emphasised that the Jubilee government would resist any attempts by the Opposition to try and get power through shortcuts using protests. He added they would vehemently reject any such plot by using the Constitution.

NO REPEAT OF 2008

The MPs also defended the electoral agency. National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso and Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi said the commissioners can be removed from office only through ways that are stipulated in the Constitution. Washiali said the Opposition was panicking because they knew they will lose in the 2017 General Election and are plotting to use chaos to ascend to power.

“Kenyans need peace. We are telling Raila Odinga and his colleagues that there will be no repeat of what happened in 2008. There will be no coalition Government this time, he should seek the mandate of Kenyans through the ballot. There are no freebies,” Washiali said.

Laboso said Jubilee Party is ready for dialogue, which she noted can only be done through the National Assembly.
“The Government is ready for talks within the confines of Parliament. Parliament is the only place where all shades of opinions can be listened to. It is also the place where there are representatives of people from across the country,” she said, adding: “Let us give dialogue a chance, we are not happy seeing the kind of scenes we see every Monday. The solution to the impasse is in Parliament.”

MPs present included Robert Pukose (Endebess) and Johnson Sakaja (nominated) among others.