Tensions over rallies as bishops call for prayers

Some of the Naivasha residents at a bus terminus before leaving the town on July 2, 2014 after hate leaflets were circulated there. PHOTO | MACHARIA MWANGI

What you need to know:

  • Kisumu traders expressed discomfort over the rally planned there for the weekend
  • In Nakuru, County Commissioner Mohamed Birik assured residents of their security

Tension was on Wednesday building up in parts of the country as Monday drew closer. This is the day set for the Saba Saba rally called by Cord to push the government to accept talks.

In Naivasha, some families fled their homes fearing for their safety after hate leaflets were circulated in the town.

And in Kisumu, where Cord is to hold a meeting on Saturday, business people were apprehensive and said they would not stock up for the weekend shopping.

In Nairobi, the two main political coalitions, Cord and Jubilee, have claimed the same venue, Uhuru Park, for their respective rallies on Monday even as police announced that they would provide security for all political gatherings.

But they asked organisers of any political rallies to ensure those in attendance obey the law.

Cord, meanwhile, disowned an all party grouping in Parliament, the Interparty Political Caucus, formed by MPs to spearhead talks in the House.

In another development, Catholic bishops met with President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House Nairobi and called on Christians to set Sunday aside as a special day of prayers for peace, unity and prosperity.

Cord has been pushing for national dialogue focusing on security, ethnicity, devolution, corruption and disbandment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Jubilee on the other hand believes that the push is an attempt to grab power by the back door. Its leaders insist that issues can be discussed within constitutional institutions, especially Parliament, a suggestion Cord has rejected.

TRADERS RELUCTANT

On Wednesday, Kisumu traders expressed discomfort over the rally planned there for the weekend.

Traders who spoke to the Nation said they were reluctant to add more stocks in their shops because they were uncertain about the aftermath of the Saba Saba rallies which are expected to culminate in Nairobi on Monday.

Fresh in their minds was the devastation and looting that the city suffered in 2007-2008 during the post-election violence.

The business people asked Cord to consider the consequences of the demonstrations on businesses in the town.

Alibhai Begum said: “We are afraid the issues going on here have similarities to those witnessed before when people looted property.” The sentiments were shared by Mr Dejav Shah, a wholesaler who said he was only considering the most basic commodities to maintain his stock.

“It is unfortunate that politicians have decided to hold businesses hostage with the unclear signals that they send to us,” said Mr Shah.

However, MPs Ken Obura (Kisumu Central), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja) and Kisumu county ODM chairman Dave Okwatch told the Daily Nation separately that the rallies will be safe.

Mr Obura said Kisumu was the safest city in the country for business and that leaders would not wish to interfere with anyone regardless of their political affiliations.

Chairman of the National Chamber of Commerce, Kisumu chapter, Mr Ben Odhiambo Kitoto, urged politicians to preach peace since the same youth who might engage in violence will lose their jobs if businesses that employ them are destroyed.

He asked residents to go to the rallies but keep the peace.

The rally will be at Kirembe grounds, a few meters from the airport.

SECURITY BEEFED UP

In Nakuru, County Commissioner Mohamed Birik assured residents of their security despite the growing tension after leaflets were circulated in some areas.

Speaking to the Nation by telephone, Mr Birik said security has been beefed up in Naivasha and Nakuru towns, where some of the leaflets were dropped.

“We are on top of things and have increased surveillance in hot spot areas and places where the leaflets were dropped,” he said.

He warned those spreading rumours of an impending attack that the government will soon catch up with them.

He said security personnel had been deployed across the county ahead of the Saba Saba rally called by Cord on Monday.

Those leaving said they would not take chances given the events of the 2008 and the circulated leaflets.

“I am planning to leave today (Wednesday) following the growing tension and the uncertainty of the Monday events,” a resident told the Nation.

But Mr Birik said there was absolutely no reason for the residents to flee, saying they were only victims of “bad and dangerous rumours.”

He called on those feeling threatened to get in touch with the security agents and report the matter.

“We have enjoyed relative calm despite the hate leaflets having being circulated,” he said.

According to him, 18 people had been arrested in Naivasha, including two people who were found circulating hate leaflets.

Traders in the Naivasha open air market have also shelved plans to bring fresh farm produce over the planned rally, adopting a wait-and-see attitude.

Reported by Moses Odhiambo, Macharia Mwangi, Caroline Wafula, Fred Mukinda and Mazera Ndurya