Nairobi, Kenya: Opposition leaders from Nairobi have backed efforts to end soaring enmity between Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.
Led by ODM national organising secretary Reuben Ndolo, ODM Nairobi branch chairman George Aladwa and a host of Ford Kenya officials, the leaders said rivalry between the two should be brought to an immediate end as they are pillars of opposition coalition CORD.
“Dr Khalwale and Dr Kidero are strong pillars of the Opposition and any differences amongst our leaders should not spill over to the streets and divide our people. This will only help our rival,” said Aladwa.
Aladwa called on CORD principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka to convene a high level meeting to seek truce between the warring leaders.
“Currently, both Raila and Kalonzo are outside the country but we are asking them to prioritise the meeting immediately when they arrive back home and once visiting US President Barack Obama has left,” he added.
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The call comes barely two days after Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula announced that efforts are being made by top CORD officials to reconcile Kidero and Khalwale.
Riots in court
Wetangula said the recent fracas between the two and their supporters at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi threaten the future of CORD. Khalwale has since threatened to abandon the coalition.
Wednesday, Aladwa appealed to Kidero to withdraw the case which he has sued Khalwale as a good gesture in seeking reconciliation.
“Equally, our urge to Khalwale is that he apologises to Kidero for the public statement that might have injured the governor,” he added.
Ndolo assured CORD supporters that the coalition is united and that the Opposition will never be divided along tribal lines.
He condemned an incident where alleged supporters of Kidero accosted Khalwale last Thursday and another where supporters of the two clashed on Friday at the Milimani courts.
“We want to distance ourselves from any acts of violence or intolerance and call upon investigative agencies to go into the depth of the two incidents with a view of apprehending the culprits,” added Ndolo.
He further added that the Director of Public Prosecutions, Inspector General of police and Director of Criminal Investigations should commence investigations in accordance with their respective constitutional mandate.
He hailed Wetag'ula for making efforts to reconcile the two and pointed out that Senators Johnstone Muthama (Machakos) and James Orengo (Siaya) have already initiated talks to bring the two leaders to a table for discussions.
