CORD's 13-point agenda is not new, fires Kidero

Nairobi, Kenya: Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero Tuesday downplayed Monday’s Saba Saba rally by his party, Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD), saying the issues raised are already known to Kenyans.

The Governor, who was conspicuously absent at the rally, said that though the issues raised at the Saba Saba rally were real, it would take the Government time to address them.

“They are real issues but some of them cannot be addressed immediately,” said Dr Kidero.

Addressing the Press in a Nairobi hotel Tuesday, Kidero said the country is facing many challenges but they will be sorted out gradually.

He said the rally greatly affected business in Nairobi, resulting in losses as most businesses remained closed due to fear of violence.

“Most people did not come to work because of fear. If fear is to be instilled in the country, then we will not experience any growth,” he said.

The governor said such activities may scare away investors, adding that most of the economy’s growth comes from private investments.

“Confidence is a factor in investments. This cannot be created from such tension as is being witnessed in the country in the recent past,” he said.

Kidero had differed with CORD leader Raila Odinga when he said the Saba Saba rally would only destabilise the country.

He had earlier announced his stand regarding CORD rallies, saying the coalition should seek an alternative avenue for addressing issues.

Of CORD’s 24 governors, only three attended the rally.