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The Nairobian

CORD protest signs were evident

Politics

By Wilfred Ayaga | Apr 01, 2016

*CORD MPs from left Fred Outa, Jones Mlolwa, Opiyo Wandayi, James Koyoo, Jakoyo Midiwo and Peter Kaluma walk to the chamber after their meeting at Parliament on Thursday 31/03/16* PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Signs of trouble were evident even before President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived in Parliament for the ‘State of the Nation’ address yesterday.

The tough talk from both sides of the political divide signified what was likely to happen in the House.

Members of the two coalitions had retreated to closed-door meetings, and both gave well-guarded statements about their highly secretive meetings.

And as the hour for the President’s arrival drew near, signs of trouble were already in the air.

National Assembly Leader of Majority Aden Duale and Orange Democratic Movement Chairman John Mbadi chose tough words when they addressed the media.

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Mr Duale said silence had to be maintained through the President’s speech, and warned of severe sanctions on those who would attempt to cause trouble.

He claimed CORD had organised its ‘State of the Nation’ address in Kibera to counter the President’s speech.

Duale Propaganda

“We hear there is going to be another ‘State of the Nation’ address in Kibera. There can only be one address; that of the President. The rally is only for some people,” he said.

Mr Mbadi said Duale was holding a job too big for him, and had no business directing the Speaker on how to do his work.

Mbadi told journalists not to pay attention to Duale’s ‘propaganda.’ “That is the usual Duale propaganda. Duale is just the MP for Garissa Town, just as I’m the MP for Suba,” said Mbadi.

The CORD brigade kept their cards close to the chest. Not even Duale and Mbadi exchanges could have prepared anyone for the kind of protest the Opposition pulled in the House yesterday.

CORD MPs had armed themselves with whistles to disrupt Uhuru’s speech.

When it happened, Jubilee MPs were caught off guard and could be seen exchanging glances that CORD had entered the House with whistles.