Central leaders scoff at Saba Saba rally

NAIROBI, KENYA: Politicians in Central Kenya have criticised CORD leaders over tomorrow’s Saba Saba rally at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park. In Kirinyaga, Mwea MP Peter Gitau threatened to mobilise a million Kenyans to forcefully occupy the residence of CORD leader Raila Odinga should the rally turn chaotic.

He also urged Nairobi Senator Mike Mbuvi Sonko and Women Representative Rachael Shebesh to mobilise 500,000 residents to occupy the residence of CORD leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetang’ula and Johnstone Muthama.

Gitau, who was speaking at Ngurubani market after leading a peaceful anti-Saba Saba day demonstration, said Kenya is greater than politicians. He accused Raila of engaging in destructive politics.

“We are tired of individuals always stirring up the political climate year in year out. He should realise the country is bigger than an individual,” he said.

Gathigiriri Ward MCA Joseph Mungai, who was present, urged residents not to turn against anyone.

In Kiambu, a former Ford Asili MP who claimed he was involved in organising the first Saba Saba rally accused CORD of hijacking the Saba Saba spirit for selfish interest.

Gacuru wa Karenge, who was MP for Kandara between 1992 and 1997, claimed in a press statement that Raila and his supporters have a selfish agenda and were only using dialogue as an excuse.

While asking the Opposition to stop the rallies, Karenge said the demands were being conveyed through the wrong channel and could cause instability.

Global Veterans Peace Association (Glovepa), a peace lobby group comprising retired members of the disciplined forces, separately asked the Director of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Ndegwa Muhoro to arrest and prosecute leaders preaching hatred at the rallies.

Led by their chairman Captain John Mathenge, the veterans said the protests are aimed at causing chaos, saying the planned meetings are CORD’s strategy to incite Kenyans.

In Nyeri, a political activist accused Jubilee MPs of being cowards by failing to show Raila that the ruling coalition would not be cowed.

“Our MPs only go to Nairobi to make money. Why can’t they directly confront CORD,” said Kamau Gatwechi, who lead an anti-Saba Saba demonstration in Nyeri town through a lobby called Young Parents Association.

In Murang’a, leaders urged locals to ignore the Saba Saba meeting and continue with their daily activities.

Working day

Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria and MPs Sabina Wanjiru Chege and Peter Kamande (Maragua) said residents cannot afford to squander a working day to attend a political meeting.

County Commissioner Kula Hache said a roll call would be conducted on Monday in all public offices to ensure service delivery would not be disrupted by civil servants keen on attending the CORD rally.

The leaders spoke at Murang’a Teachers Training College during the County Education Day. The supported national prayers ahead of the Uhuru Park meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

“Monday is a working day. Everybody must report to his or her place of work as we have children to feed and other matters to take care of,” said Kamande.

–Story by Munene Kamau, Eric Wainaina, Wainaina Ndung’u and Boniface Gikandi