Mt Kenya leaders tear into Raila over BBI rallies

A number of leaders from the Mt Kenya region have accused Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga (pictured) of dividing the region.

Led by former Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria and Laikipia Senator John Kinyua, the leaders accused Raila of trying to impose leaders on the region. 

“We are warning Raila Odinga that as leaders from the region we will not allow him to dictate to us who will be our leaders. We are going to stop his reggae in Mt Kenya,” warned Mr Kuria.

The MP promised a tough time for Mr Odinga and his brigade during the planned Nakuru Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) rally.

“The Kinoru Stadium standoff was just a rehearsal, we are waiting for them in Nakuru and we are going to stop reggae there,” he said.

Kuria at the same time accused Raila of frustrating Deputy President William Ruto supporters by barring them from addressing BBI rallies.

“Kenyans' minds will not be changed by barring us from speaking during your rallies. BBI is going nowhere if they continue with the same trend,” he said.

Mr Kiunjuri accused the opposition for hijacking BBI.

“This process has been hijacked by some few individuals who want to get political seats in the 2022 General Election. We will not allow them to take advantage of an initiative which was meant to unite Kenyans,” he said.

He said Kenyans were wise enough know who they will elect to be their next leader in 2022.

Fanning ethnicity

On his part, Mr Kinyua accused BBI rallies of fanning ethnicity.

“What we have witnessed in these BBI rallies is a mission to incite Kenyans against one another. We should preach peace and help unite this country,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Narok Woman Representative Soipan Tuya who accused Raila and his allies of promoting division.

“Raila Odinga is pretending that he is uniting the country but he is indeed dividing the country by shielding those spreading divisive politics. This shows that he is still the same guy, he has not changed,” added Ms Tuya.

The leaders were speaking at Kinamba Catholic Church in Laikipia West constituency during a fundsdrive over the weekend.

It was also attended by among other leaders, Kibwezi MP Jessica Mbalu, Laikipia County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Thomi, former Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu and former Laikipia West MP Wachira Karani.