Ukambani leaders criticise call by Opposition to boycott products

Former Mbooni MP Kisoi Munyao Photo:Courtesy

Leaders from Ukambani have criticised the call by the Opposition directing its supporters to boycott products from companies alleged to favour the Jubilee administration.

The nine former MPs faulted the move by the National Super Alliance (NASA), terming it an economic sabotage aimed at downgrading Kenya's competitiveness and economic standing in the region.

They claimed the push by NASA's National Resistance Movement (NRM) wing will scare away investors and cause closure of many businesses.

"It will increase unemployment, leading to intense suffering for our people. This will lead to insecurity and anarchy in the country," they said in a statement read by Philip Kaloki, former Kibwezi East MP.

CAUTIONED KALONZO

Former Mbooni MP Kisoi Munyao cautioned Kalonzo Musyoka, who was Raila Odinga's running mate under NASA, that he would be shortchanged like in the 2013 election when he was persuaded to shelve his presidential bid.

"It seems Kalonzo has been sidelined. He will ultimately be told that he was not there during the creation of NRM," said Munyao during a meeting at a hotel in Nairobi.

The reaction by the leaders came moments after a group of youth calling itself 'National Caucus of Luo Youth' affiliated to NASA also held a similar event at the same venue where they opposed the boycott.

POSITION TAKEN

Led by their chairman Roy K'Obwanga and his secretary Alweny Otulo, the youths decried the position taken by NRM, saying many young traders had taken Uwezo Fund loans to start businesses related to the blacklisted companies and it would be hard to repay the lenders.

"The fate of our people who are either directly or indirectly employed by these firms hangs in the balance," said Mr K'Obwanga.