You cannot silence Raila over support for AU post, Kalonzo tells Kenya Kwanza

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has hit out at Kenya Kwanza government over the response to floods that have so far claimed more than 200 lives.

Speaking during the consecration of Bishop Joseph Maweu and Reverend Agnes Maweu at Redeemed Church in Magongo, Mombasa County over the weekend, Kalonzo urged President William Ruto to declare the floods a national disaster and allocate funds to help the affected families across the country.

He defended Azimio leader Raila Odinga's attack on the government over failure to aid families affected by floods in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Nairobi.

"Over 219 lives have been lost and 1,000 families affected by flooding. This should be declared a national disaster because we need an international and national response. At Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Raila spoke as an ODM leader and he should not be criticised for speaking the truth," said Kalonzo.  

The Wiper leader said that Raila was still an ODM leader and he cannot be silenced just because Kenya Kwanza government was backing him (Raila) for the African Union seat.

"Raila is looking for the AU position but he is still an ODM leader. I don't know if they thought they would compromise him on national matters. He remains a leader of the Azimio until he gets the AU seat," he said.

Kalonzo said that 10 people who lost their lives at Sultan Hamud after they were swept away by floods and victims of Mai Mahiu flash floods need more support and urged stakeholders to join Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and other disaster response teams in the search and rescue operation.

He announced that the opposition has cancelled all meetings in Mombasa due to the heavy rains and anticipated effects of cyclone Hidaya. 

"We have cancelled all meetings because of the cyclone and heavy rains," he said while urging the church to speak against graft being allegedly perpetuated by the Kenya Kwanza government. 

Kalonzo said the church would be perceived to be complicit in corruption if it did not speak out.

He urged the church not to receive monies from questionable sources. "The Church in Kenya should reclaim its position. Kenyans are hurting, this is the time to stand against the evil regime and not allow the Constitution to be hijacked. We see wickedness is creeping in through the manner in which they are handling the country's affairs," he said.

He asked the church to worship God, not individuals and pursue only what is in the best interest of the country.

Kalonzo said they will stand together with people of goodwill in the fight against corruption. "We have given our lives to this nation, it is good to put things to order, If you are being praised by Western nations and your people are against you be careful," he said.

Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa urged Kenyans to be careful due to the anticipated effects of cyclone Hidaya.

"The cyclone is coming from Tanzania to Zanzibar heading to the Coast. So heed the advice and don't frequent the beaches, let us stay home and avert the disaster because we do not want to lose more lives," said Wamalwa.

He asked the Kenya Kwanza government to respect Raila and allow criticism where they have failed to deliver services to Kenyans.

"I join Kalonzo to say Raila is the leader of Azimio and we will not keep quiet because of fraud and floods. We shall speak on behalf of Kenyans. We would not want the Kenya Kwanza to think they silenced him (Raila) because of the AU support," said Wamalwa.