Kalonzo faults government over arrest of CORD and Jubilee legislators

CORD co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka (left), Moses Wetang’ula (right) and Kitui Senator David Musila at the funeral service of former Cabinet Minister Eliud Ngala Mwendwa at his Ithookwe village home in Kitui County. [Photo Paul Mutua/ Standard]

Kitui: Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka Saturday faulted the government over the detention of CORD and Jubilee MPs in police cells over claims of incitement.

He warned Kenyans to be wary of Jubilee’s scheme to introduce dictatorship.

Speaking at Ithookwe Grounds in Kitui County during the funeral service of former cabinet minister Eliud Ngala Mwendwa, Kalonzo also accused the government of being intolerant and discouraging demonstrations.

“We have seen how aggressive they are in demonising demonstrations. We have seen their attempts to re-introduce detention without trial which is unacceptable. Kenyans must reject that,” he said.

CORD co-principal Moses Wetang’ula said the Jubilee government was ineffective. He said that under the Jubilee leadership of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto, corruption and nepotism had become entrenched

Wetang’ula said freedom of speech had been curtailed with the harassment of CORD leaders who spoke out against corruption. “We will not keep quiet in the face of injustice because if we do, we will be part of that injustice,” he said.

The Ford Kenya leader urged the Kamba community to firmly stand behind Kalonzo, saying his political future was bright.

Wetang’ula’s sentiments were echoed by Nairobi Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke who said the only way the Kamba community will be respected is to unite and support Kalonzo and the Wiper party.

“Any other thing, whether it is called Chap Chap or whatever, dismiss it. They are created to divide the county,” Mueke said.

Kalonzo led political leaders in eulogising Mwendwa as a person of great strength and courage. ,

Wetang’ula noted that Mwendwa, who served as cabinet minister under different portfolios during Jomo Kenyatta’s rule, left a legacy that will be remembered for many years.

“Mwendwa stood for justice, equity and fairness,” he said noting that the values the former minister stood had been undermined by the Jubilee administration.

The former Cabinet minister’s sister-in-law, Kitui Woman Rep Nyiva Mwendwa, said the politician was a forgiving man and sought forgiveness when he wronged others.

“He was an exceptional man and rarely lost his temper,” she said.

Former Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu eulogised Mwendwa as a selfless man who supported her first bid for the Kitui Central parliamentary seat in 1992. “He fought for independence. He was a liberator. We must continue with his good work,”

Others who attended the funeral were Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu (Health), Kitui Senator David Musila, Governor Julius Malombe, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu and Taita Taveta Woman Rep Joyce Lay.