Raila denies interest in coalition government as Meru rally cancelled over chaos

NASA leaders Raila Odinga (left) and Musalia Mudavadi address journalists after jetting back from Meru where their rally was disrupted. [Beverlyne Musili, Standard]

A planned rally by Opposition chief Raila Odinga at Laare in Igembe North constituency in Meru County was cancelled after chaos broke out at the venue moments before his arrival.

Speaking on Tuesday during a press conference at Wilson airport, Raila reaffirmed his push for electoral reforms, noting he was not interested in talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta for a coalition government.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) leader reiterated that he had withdrawn from the October 26 repeat presidential polls, adding that Jubilee was free to have its own elections.

“I am ready for talks even today but not on ‘Nusu mkate’. I am ready for talks with Uhuru on electoral reforms. We shall not take part in the election. If Jubilee wants a proper contest, they should be ready for electoral reforms," said Raila.

The NASA chief made the remarks shortly after jetting back from Laare in Meru where they had gone for a political rally that was postponed due to hostilities he claimed were sponsored by the State.

“The violence and the deterioration in security were not spontaneous. They were all sponsored by Jubilee Party and the State. In fact, police openly provided protection to youths who had been ferried to the venue while lobbing tear gas at NASA supporters,” said NASA presidential campaign leader Musalia Mudavadi.

Mudavadi said they had campaigned in Meru for decades and the visit planned for yesterday had been requested by residents.

“But Jubilee, ever scared of open, free and fair contest, is determined to lock certain parts of the country and declare them no-go zones for the Opposition,” said Mudavadi.

Several people were injured as NASA and Jubilee supporters clashed.

The meeting was cancelled when violence spread, forcing organisers to pull down tents and a podium when it became clear Raila and his entourage would not be able to address the rally.

Business at the usually busy market famously known for its thriving miraa trade was brought to a standstill as supporters of the two camps, mostly youths, lit bonfires and hurled stones at each other.

Earlier at 2am on Monday night, the podium set up by organisers of the rally was razed, with County Orange Democratic Movement leader Ramah Kathata blaming it on political opponents.

Igembe North MP Maoka Maore, however, said Raila should stop 'disturbing' people, since he was not keen to participate in the October 26 election.

While addressing the press in Nairobi, Raila asked the Jubilee administration to stop wanton killing of civilians in  Kisumu County.

The NASA leader likened the killings to ethnic cleansing and announced there would be a mourning session on Friday for the victims of police brutality.