Cord gives Uhuru 10 days to convene national dialogue

Cord leader Raila Odinga addressing supporters at Eldoret 64 Stadium on Friday June 27, 2014. He gave President Uhuru Kenyatta a 10 day ultimatum to call for a national dialogue. PHOTO/JARED NYATAYA

What you need to know:

  • Odinga said he would not be cowed by threats of arrest following recent summons issued by police to his colleagues for alleged hate speech.
  • Mr Odinga insisted that it was the constitutional right of Kenyans to hold rallies and that they (Cord) would not be intimidated by threats of arrest.
  • He asked President Kenyatta to implement recommendations of the TJRC and tackle historical land injustices which he said largely affected peace.

The Cord alliance Friday gave the government a 10-day ultimatum to convene a national dialogue conference to avoid the planned July 7 Saba Saba rally.

Speaking in Eldoret, opposition leader Raila Odinga said he would not be cowed by threats of arrest following recent summons issued by police to his colleagues for alleged hate speech.

He told President Uhuru Kenyatta to heed his call for the dialogue.

“Ndugu yangu, njoo tuongee mapema. Naona mawingu yametanda. Fanya hala hala tusinyeshewe. (My brother, come for an early dialogue as clouds are gathering. Hurry up so that we are not rained on),” said Mr Odinga amid cheers from a huge crowd at Eldoret’s 64 Stadium.

“Today is the 27th and there are 10 days to Saba Saba. Let us dialogue or else….,” said Mr Odinga as the crowd chanted “saba, saba, all that we want is liberation.”

Mr Odinga insisted that it was the constitutional right of Kenyans to hold rallies and that they (Cord) would not be intimidated by threats of arrest.

The Eldoret rally took place after police backed down on a ban imposed earlier citing the likelihood of violence. Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago had also tried to bar the rally.

Referring to Kenya’s “second liberation” campaign that started in 1990 against President Daniel arap Moi’s single-party regime, Mr Odinga warned that history would repeat itself unless the government convened the national dialogue.

TJRC REPORT

He asked President Kenyatta to implement the recommendations of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission and tackle historical land injustices which he said had largely affected peace.

“I and the retired President Mwai Kibaki signed the report and its recommendations and it is pointless for the President to shelve it. It is time the report is implemented,” said Mr Odinga.

He castigated what he termed as the Jubilee coalition’s failed promises, citing the schools laptop project, high cost of agricultural inputs, insecurity, youth unemployment and high cost of living as some of the oppositions concerns.

“This government has failed to protect Kenyans and their property and all that is witnessed is rampant corruption that has derailed the economy,” said Mr Odinga.

He added that it was ridiculous to pay over Sh1 billion to “crooks” while over Sh16 billion remains in foreign accounts.

Ford-Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula on his part accused the government of failing the electorate.

“Jubilee has breached the social contract they signed with the people. If leaders cannot lead, those they lead can lead,” he said.

He further said that no amount of intimidation or threats of arrests will scare off Cord from holding the Saba Saba rallies to address pressing issues facing the country.

He said as leaders they respect the rule of law and they clearly differentiate hate speech and fair comments.

NOT SCARED OF ARREST

Siaya Senator James Orengo said they are not scared of being arrested when championing for the rights of Kenyans.

“We have a constitutional right to hold meetings anywhere including Eldoret.
President Uhuru has to convene a national dialogue not as a matter of choice but in accordance with the law and the Constitution,” he said.

He dismissed an invitation by President Kenyatta to Mr Odinga “for a cup of tea” saying that if the President wanted to offer 'a cup of tea,’ then he should extend the invitation to the 40 million Kenyans.

He added that it was an act of cowardice for the government to resort to intimidation by arresting members of the opposition.

“We dialogued with retired President Moi while championing for the second liberation and no amount of detention or torture will scare us from championing the rights of Kenyans,” said Mr Orengo.

Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama asked the government to account for the Sh28 million laptop project, among other “corruption related projects” instead of demanding that they record statements over their remarks during their rallies.

Homabay Senator Otieno Kajwang said it was “an act of impunity” to ban Cord from holding rallies in certain parts of the country.

Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo said the government had failed in its responsibility of protecting Kenyans and they were ready to pay a price including arrests to liberate Kenyans.

KALONZO IN CORD TO STAY

Meanwhile, Cord co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka landed Friday at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and declared that he was in the coalition to stay.

Speaking on arrival from China, Mr Musyoka said he was committed to Cord and will be seeking a presidential ticket within the coalition in the 2017 general elections.

“I know Kenyans always wish me well but no one should wish me well by saying that I am joining Jubilee. People should talk about more serious issues,” he said.

He dismissed claims that he had skipped opposition rallies saying that he was in touch with the leadership while he was away and was briefed on the rallies.

Mr Musyoka said he will be joining the coalition leaders for rallies in Kisumu, Kajiado, and Nakuru and later in Nairobi.

“Kenyans must accept diverse opinions and Cord is not causing disunity but unity by pushing for the interests of all Kenyans. If you are anti-dialogue then you are pro-violence,” he said.

He accused a section of leaders in Ukambani whom he said rode on Cord euphoria in Ukambani region to get elected, only to turn around and start undermining him.

He revealed that he had been approached by the Cyprus government and agreed to serve as their Consul in Kenya.

“Cyprus closed down their embassy in Kenya and those wishing to go to that country have been seeking services in Egypt,” he said.

However, he noted that the appointment will not affect his work as a politician.

—Reports by Barnabas Bii, Arthur Situma and Ouma Wanzala