Kenyans give mixed views on Cord rallies

The planned Saba Saba rally convened by the Opposition Cord has generated considerable debate even as its convenors seek police protection while assuring Kenyans that it will be peaceful.

Cord leader Raila Odinga says that the rally was in response to the government’s refusal to discuss insecurity, corruption, tribalism in the sharing of public service jobs, economic problems, the presence of KDF in Somalia, and the fate of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

On the other hand, the government has maintained that such dialogue can be held in institutions such as Parliament. It has maintained that it was validly elected and therefore doesn’t need Cord to tell it how it should govern. To this Cord has been responding that certain issues are too important to be left to Parliament which rarely outgrows partisan politics.

On Jamhuri Day President Uhuru Kenyatta said he was not averse to dialogue but later objected to the threat by Cord that failure to have it would leave the opposition with no alternative but to mobilise Kenyans for the Saba-Saba rally.

Saba Saba refers to an attempt by the nascent Opposition to hold a political rally July 7, 1990 at the Kamukunji Grounds to push for an end to Kanu’s single party dictatorship.

On that day, police sealed off the venue and restricted some of the Opposition doyens in their homes. However, James Orengo, Martin Shikuku, Masinde Muliro, and other crusaders for a multi-party political system managed to drive round in a Toyota calling out people to attend the rally which didn’t happen because police had formed a phalanx around the venue.

Dickson Mutaru, commercial agent: “I will go to work as usual. We should be focusing on building our country now”

Joseph Wanyama, Boda boda rider: “Cord has the right to hold the Saba Saba rally so long as it is peaceful”

Hussein Abdul: “I do not support Saba Saba rally. Let them find better ways of tackling their grievances”

Tobius Omondi Ogallo, Knut official: “Saba Saba is creating unnecessary uncertainty among parents and learners”

Paul Ng’etich, businessman: “Cord should be allowed to hold rallies so long as there is no looting by goons”

Margaret Njoki: “Saba Saba rally is not necessary. Our country needs leaders who are development conscious”

Mariam Omar, hotelier: “They have a right to go to the streets. Those opposing should read the Constitution”

Kelvin Lunani, businessman: “I don’t support the rally. Cord leaders should agree to dialogue since the President is ready”

Mary Akoth, health worker: “I support Saba Saba because it may make the government see the sense for dialogue”

Monicah Chepkirui, security guard: “I will go to work as usual as the country needs my services more”

Esther Nyambere, mobile phone dealer: “I don’t believe political rallies will solve problems facing Kenyans”

John Maweu, casual worker: “I support the rally and I will attend it because government is exploiting Kenyans”

Stanley Mbugua, artist: “I will not go to work but I will be at Uhuru park rally. I have already booked a vehicle to Nairobi”

Zainab Osman: Kenyans should learn to love one another. In whose interest will Cord be holding the rallies?”

Daniel Murunja, businessman: “I’m not for the rally because it will lead to riots and destruction of property”

Brenda Were, student: “I support the rally if it’s the best way Cord can make the government lower prices of basic goods”

Tom Ndonga, casual worker: “It reminds me of the many Kenyans who died during the first Saba Saba day in 1990”

Lydia Kiritu: I oppose the idea because the Opposition can argue their issues in National Assembly and Senate”