CORD wants next poll earlier than scheduled

Senators Bony Khalwale (Kakamega), James Orengo (Siaya), former Speaker Farah Maalim, Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, Nominated Senator Elizabeth Ongoro and Ugenya MP David Ochieng’ at the CORD rally in Mlolongo, Machakos. [PHOTO: MOSES OMUSULA/ STANDARD]

Kenya: The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has accused the Jubilee Government of failing to meet the expectations of the electorate and called on it to quit.

The CORD leaders  also called for an early election if the security situation countinues to deteriorate.

Led by Ugenya Senator James Orengo, the leaders called on President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto to admit that they had failed Kenyans and relinquish their positions ‘for other able leaders’ to take over.

“Since the Uhuru-Ruto team took over power, the lives of Kenyans have gone from bad to worse. High rate of unemployment, coupled with insecurity and failure of security agencies to curb terrorism in the country is just a manifestation of a government that has failed,” said Orengo.

The leaders accused the Jubilee Government of being out of touch with the electorate and failing to keep its promises to Kenyans.

Also attending the yesterday’s rally at Mlolongo, Machakos County, was Machakos Senator Johnstonne Muthama, former Speaker Farah Maalim, Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati, Ugenya MP David Ochieng’, Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale and many other CORD-affiliated politicians. Mr Maalim  lashed out at the Uhuru administration, accusing it of having a hand in the terror attacks witnessed in the country.

“It is the high time the Government stopped hoodwinking Kenyans. If the Government is really on top of things, why is it that no major arrest has been made over the recent terror attacks? The Government knows who is behind these attacks and it is the high time Kenyans were told the truth,” said Maalim.

Maalim also accused the Jubilee  Government of not protecting public resources and having its priorities wrong.

“It took the Government less than one week to release more than Sh1.4 billion to fund Anglo-Leasing scam, while the Uwezo Fund has still not been released cash to women and youth. This shows how the Government has its priorities all wrong,” he reiterated. Dr Khalwale challenged President Kenyatta to deal with the menace of tribalism that has  characterised his government, noting it was unfair for only one tribe to take high positions in the Government.

“Uhuru should first deal with tribalism in his Government since it is through that that tangible development can be achieved in this country,” he said.