Aden Duale: ODM cannot lecture URP on political tolerance

NAIROBI, KENYA: National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale has defended United Republican Party (URP) over claims by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of sponsoring the chaos and hooliganism in Kapsabet on Monday.

Duale pointed out that the despicable acts were perpetrated in ODM and Cord strongholds or in connection with ODM agenda and activities.

"ODM cannot escape responsibility for their notorious tradition of violence by pointing fingers at URP or other civilised organisations," said Duale.

He said URP has always been categorical and consistent in their pledge never to allow political competition or another disagreement degenerate to violence and bloodshed.

He added that the party has in the past held peaceful nominations with all their candidates maintaining peace throughout the last General Elections.

"This is why we take great exception to the disingenuous slander perpetrated by ODM, vainly trying to connect the recent disgraceful acts of political violence and lawlessness to URP," he said in a statement to newsrooms yesterday.

Duale added that ODM should judicially examine itself judging from its past experiences of violence.

ODM had accused URP of sponsoring the attack intimidate Nandi Governor Cleophas Lagat into withdrawing his support for the Pesa Mashinani referendum.