‘We will not attend Raila’s mass action,’ Rebel ODM MPs say as they urge Kenyans to keep off

Nine perceived rebel Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Members of Parliament have asked their electorates to keep off Monday’s mass action called by their party leader Raila Odinga saying they will not attend it either.

According to the legislators, the current economic challenges facing Kenya will not be resolved by political confrontation and other forms of political partisanship.

Addressing a press conference at Parliament buildings on Friday, the MPs said it is time to have a national economic dialogue to find solutions to the country’s collective economic challenges.

“Let our political competition be at the level of competing economic ideas. We therefore wish to encourage all Kenyans who wish to participate in the demonstrations planned for next week, to do so peacefully and in a manner that strengthens democratic rule and does not encourage anarchy and breakdown of law and order,” said the MPs in a joint press statement read by Suba South legislator Caroli Omondi.

He was accompanied by Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda and MPs Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Felix Odiwour alias Jalang’o (Langata).

The lawmakers reckoned that they acknowledge the right of every citizen or group of citizens to picket and hold demonstrations as an expression of their political aspirations, however stating that such actions must done with the confines of the Constitution.

“We appreciate that such actions are essential to the advancement of our democracy. It is our firm belief that such demonstrations must be peaceful and orderly, and not injure the rights and property of others,” they added.

Although elected on the ODM party ticket, the rebel MPs stated that they will not be participating in the planned demonstrations.

“We equally urge our constituents to do likewise. We encourage those who will join the demonstrations to return to their normal economic and social activities as soon as possible, especially those who engage in farming, to take advantage of the current rains to plough and plant,” they added.

The lawmakers further expressed confidence that reason will prevail amongst the political leadership of Kenya and that God will grant Kenyans the wisdom to find the path to lasting peace and harmony.

They also welcomed the planned visit of President William Ruto to Migori County next week to launch several development projects.