Deputy governor rejects planned Cord rallies
Uasin Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago. There was blood at the scene of the alleged shooting, which is a stone’s throw away from Governor Mandago’s residence. FILE PHOTO |
What you need to know:
- Grassroots politicians accuse county leaders of living in the past
- Deputy Governor says Opposition leaders will not be allowed in his region
Opposition leaders will not be allowed to hold political rallies in Nandi County, Deputy Governor Dominic Biwott has said.
Mr Biwott claimed Cord rallies were meant to “cause chaos and make Kenyans riot against the Jubilee Government of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto.”
A few days ago, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, who had made a similar declaration, rescinded his decision and said he would allow the Opposition to conduct peaceful rallies in his county “under a big security presence.”
Mr Mandago had vowed to “outlaw” Cord rallies scheduled for June 22 in Uasin Gishu on the premise that they would incite disaffection in the region that was the worst-hit during the 2008 post-election violence.
It is believed that the Opposition intends to hold rallies in Nandi County next month.
Uasin Gishu Cord branch chairman Kipkorir Menjo on Monday laughed off the Nandi Deputy Governor’s remarks, saying he was living in the Kanu era.
'NON-EXISTENT POWERS'
“The Opposition and the government are two sides of the same coin. When you are in the Opposition, it doesn’t mean you are less Kenyan,” he said.
The Jubilee Government is facing challenges and it is important for the Opposition to have discussions, he said.
“It’s not like the Kanu days, as people now have the right of association.
“They (Nandi officials) should not delegate to themselves non-existent powers.”
Mr Biwott and Tindiret MP Julius Melly, in separate meetings in Nandi County, said Cord should give the Jubilee Government time to manage the country and serve people.
Speaking in Kapsabet, Mr Biwott said political meetings by Cord leaders would divide the people when the nation needs healing from the 2008 violence. Mr Melly claimed the Opposition had ill motives.
The two leaders also dismissed Mr Ruto’s critics in the Deputy President’s United Republican Party (URP). They said Kalenjins should not expect Mr Ruto to concentrate only on the welfare of his community as he was a national leader.
