President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto Saturday accused NASA leader Raila Odinga of promoting anarchy to gain power.
They condemned Friday’s looting and running battles between police and NASA supporters who had lined up the streets to receive Raila who was returning from the US.
The Head of State promised to deal firmly with perpetrators of violence.
“We want peace and unity and we will not allow a few people to ruin this country,” said Kenyatta during the burial ceremony for the Nyeri Governor Wahome Gakuru yesterday. “I am the President and I followed the law even though I was aggrieved. They should also follow the law. We can’t let them destroy the country,” he said in response to the violence that resulted in the deaths of five people.
Ruto said NASA was using death and violence to blackmail the country.
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“We will never succumb to blackmail and intimidation,” the DP said. “People who think they can use intimidation and chaos to further their political agenda will not succeed.”
Other Jubilee leaders also weighed in with Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale asking the government to deal firmly with protesters.
“The law allows demonstrations but the same Constitution says that they should be peaceful. Stealing and destroying private property is not a demonstration and Nairobi residents can’t keep allowing such lawlessness and violence,” Sonko said.
Duale claimed that the chaotic procession by NASA supporters was a deliberate ploy to provide opportunities to loot, rob and destroy property.
“What we saw yesterday was not a celebration to welcome anyone back or show love for a leader. We need to ask Raila how many lives will need to be lost and property destroyed so that he can reach where he wants?” Duale posed.
The Garissa Town MP also criticised calls by NASA to push for a parliamentary system of government, saying it would not improve Raila’s chances of ascending to the top leadership.
“The issue is not with the system of governance, it is the millions of voters who do not want to elect you. Even if we have a parliamentary system tomorrow he will not be president,” said Duale.
Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen said the legitimacy of Uhuru’s presidency was not in question, with just one day before the Supreme Court issues its judgement on a petition challenging his election on October 26. Murkomen said the President had received votes from all parts of the country. “Let us build a nation where everyone will be judged by their abilities regardless of tribe.This tribalism must come to an end,” Murkomen said.
