Oparanya should not limit Wetang'ula

A warning by Governor Wycliffe Oparanya that Senator Moses Wetang’ula should not launch his presidential bid in Kakamega is regrettable.

This shows that Senator Wetang’ula has his freedom limited, which is against the freedom and rights of persons contained in our Constitution.

But in a move that may spark conflict, the senator and his supporters have vowed to continue with their plan. Though it is a bold move worth applauding, all should be done to avoid bitter and divisive politics.

Wetang’ula has all the rights to speak his mind anywhere and associate with others as he likes as long as he does that within the law.

People may hold different views and opinions on a given issue but that should not be a recipe for our infringement into other people’s rights and freedoms.

Furthermore we believe that CORD has a way through which the coalition’s flag-bearer will be picked ahead of 2017 polls. Therefore, there is no reason for uneasiness. Oparanya is not only denying Wetang’ula his rights but also compromising the unity of the CORD family.

At this time when there are calls for unity among political leaders from the bigger Luyha community, such remarks from Oparanya are divisive and should be discouraged. Unity is what parties need to defeat opponents.