Jubilee MPs slam opposition over fresh calls for demos

Jubilee Party leaders have criticised Opposition leader Raila Odinga's call for street protests by National Super Alliance (NASA) supporters, saying actions that could trigger violence should be avoided.

Raila, who spoke on Tuesday for the first time since Uhuru Kenyatta was declared president-elect after last Thursday's repeat election, said his supporters would continue to demonstrate and picket as often as they chose, until a free, fair and credible election was conducted.

But Jubilee lawmakers led by National Assembly Leader of Majority Aden Duale and Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja, said that would only lead to violence and hurt the economy further.

“Demonstrations and picketing are not in the best interests of our economy, which has suffered in the past few months. The move will ultimately affect the ordinary citizen regardless of political affiliation, and we are asking him (Raila) to rethink the decision,” said Mr Duale.

“As the Jubilee family, we believe that together with NASA we can do minimum reforms to the 2010 Constitution between now and 2022 to address grievances raised. President Kenyatta has already extended to NASA an olive branch and they should work with us,” added the Garissa Township MP.

Lawful mechanisms

Mr Sakaja advised the Opposition chief to first exhaust all lawful and peaceful mechanisms of seeking justice before resorting to street protests, which he pointed out were likely to turn violent at any time.

“It is very hard to control supporters once they pour onto the streets and clashes with police are bound to happen. All the otherwise peaceful protests of the Opposition have at some point turned violent. NASA should reconsider the decision,” said Sakaja.

MPs Nelson Koech (Belgut) and John Waluke (Sirisia) expressed displeasure with Raila's entire speech, noting that it was clear the Opposition leader was not keen on exploring constitutional mechanisms to end the current stalemate.

“I expected Raila, as a senior politician and a role model for most of us young politicians, to concede defeat honourably. What he is pushing for will see him exit the political scene in a bad way,” said Mr Koech, who added that Kenyans were tired of the demonstrations.

Nakuru Woman Representative Liza Chelule described Raila’s call for more demonstrations against President Kenyatta's re-election as unlawful.

“The entire year has been a political season. The economy is not performing well and any plans to sink it further will be met with the greatest resistance possible,” said Ms Chelule.

[Story by Daniel Psirmoi and Kennedy Gichuhi]