Cord faults Jubilee over media Bill, rising crime

Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Vice-President Kalonzo during Namwamba’s homecoming yesterday.

 

By Renson Buluma and Grace Wekesa

 

Cord principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka have urged MPs to unite and reject the controversial Kenya Information and Communication Amendment Bill when it is returned to Parliament.

Raila said the Bill was out to take the country back to the era of dictatorship and therefore should be rejected in its entirety.

“That is a fake Bill that should be rejected and I urge Cord MPs to lead the way in rejecting it,” said Raila, adding that such a Bill is not what Kenyans need after 50 years of independence.

Speaking at Port Victoria Primary School during the homecoming for Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba, Raila said Kenya’s heroes such as Masinde Muliro, Martin Shikuku and Jaramogi Oginga fought for the freedom of media, a key component of any democratic country.

Leadership failing

Kalonzo said the Bill was out to deny Kenyans the freedom of speech and association and urged the MPs not to pass it when it is returned to Parliament.

“We appeal to MPs to reject any amendment that will deny Kenyans freedom and return the country to dictatorship,” said Kalonzo.

He added: “We also have information that the government is working on ways to silence the civil society and other human rights organisations which are out to expose mega corruption in the government”.

The two also decried the escalating cases of insecurity in the country and asked President Uhuru Kenyatta and deputy president William Ruto to ensure there is security for all Kenyans irrespective of the region or party affiliations.

The duo condemned the recent heinous attack in Nyakach, which led to the killing of area MP Aduma Owuor’s parents.

“The work of the government is to protect its people and their property. A government that cannot protect its people should not be in power. For how long will innocent Kenyans continue to be brutally killed?” asked Raila.

 He said insecurity would lead the country to a state of anarchy, where people will arm and defend themselves from any form of aggressions.

Namwamba said rising cases of lawlessness, corruption high taxation of Kenyans and inability of the government to work closely with the neighbouring countries under the East Africa Community cooperation is a clear indication that the leadership of Jubilee government is failing.

“As a coalition, we are keenly watching and come the next general election we shall be ready to take over the leadership and restore the confidence of Kenyans,” said Namwamba.