Keep off Fred Matiang'i, Azimio tells Ruto

Police officers, on Wednesday, broke into the former minister's Karen home on grounds that they had a search order to obtain CCTV recordings to establish facts surrounding an alleged raid on the home last week.

Speaking during a tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties, Azimio chief Raila Odinga said Matiang'i should be respected for having tirelessly worked for the last government. He condemned the raid on Matiangi's Nairobi home saying the country was not in a state of emergency. "Stop treating some individuals as criminals. Matiangi has not refused to be charged in a court of law. Follow the procedure. Innocent people are being harassed while those suspected criminals are being set free," he said.

Raila said he will continue fighting for the economic rights of more than 50 million Kenyans, claiming Kenya Kwanza had failed to respect basic human rights of citizens.

"They gave false promises that they will never achieve," he said.

The former premier also faulted the courts for returning Sh200 million to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, adding that the government was misusing State agencies including the police and Judiciary. The money had been forfeited to the State over graft allegations.

Raila accused the government of signing agreements with foreign countries saying some of the programmes will never be achieved. "They don't have a plan nor will they have a plan for this country," he said.

In a statement read at Gusii stadium, Raila said electoral and economic injustices must come to an end. "Services must be available and affordable. We must bring to an end punitive taxes. Kenya must not go back to single party democracy."

He called on the Gusii community to join other Kenyans in undertaking proper electoral changes, adding that the next electoral commissioners should be picked in a democratic process as enshrined in the Constitution.

Extreme poverty

Wiper leader Kalonzo Muysoka said prices of basic commodities had gone way too high. "The government has failed to safeguard Kenyans from extreme poverty. Children are unable to report to school," he said.

He claimed that the government is confused on how to proceed with the new education curriculum. "Instead of making progress they are busy following up innocent individuals. Matiang'i was a loyal civil servant who needs to be respected. We will defend him in court."

Kalonzo said Azimio will proceed with countrywide rallies. "We will not be stopped by people running an illegitimate government," he said.

He claimed that the government got it wrong by deploying Kenya Defence Forces to fight banditry in the North Rift. "The solution lies within ourselves, KDF cannot proceed to fight bandits without a motion passing through Parliament."

Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua said the government has enough funds to introduce subsidies and reduce the cost of living. "The government must provide free education because we have enough resources," she said. "The youth have no jobs yet the government has stopped Kazi Mtaani programme. We are bitter because of the hardships Kenyans are going through. This is not our fight; we want to ensure that our people get a better life," she added.

And speaking at road side rallies at Keroka and Keumbu markets, former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa alleged a scheme by the government to embarrass Matiangi.

"We want to caution State agencies to follow the law and stop mistreating innocent individuals who served in the last regime," he said.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati thanked Raila for visiting the region. "Talk to your people, we welcome you with open arms."

Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, who spoke at Keroka market, said the government should work harder to ensure that Kenyans have more money in their pockets.

ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire said the resolve to bring about change in the county remains unstoppable. "The journey is real; we must stop playing politics with the lives of Kenyans."

Siaya Governor James Orengo, his Migori counterpart Achillo Ayacko, Nairobi Senator Ediwn Sifuna, ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina and Jubilee Secretary Jeremiah Kioni were present. Others were Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo and ODM Nominated MP Rene Nyakerario among a host of MPs from other parts of the country.

The Azimio team heads to Kisumu today. Meanwhile, some Gusii MPs affiliated to Azimio failed to show up in yesterday's rally.

Among those who missed the rally include Kisii and Nyamira Senators Richard Onyonka and Okongo Omogeni who were both elected on ODM .

Bobasi MP Innocent Obiri who was elected on a Wiper party ticket, his Borabu and West Mugirango counterparts Patrick Osero and Steve Mogaka who elected on ODM and Jubilee parties, respectively, as well Nyamira Woman Rep Jerusha Momanyoi were also absent. Arati said his Nyamira counterpart Amos Nyaribo was away in Egypt.