Ruto's allies in Kisii warn Raila against holding rallies in the region, accuse him of 'misusing people'

Ruto's allies in Kisii warn Raila against holding rallies in the region, accuse him of 'misusing people'

Former Kisii deputy governor Joash Maangi

Leaders allied to President William Ruto's UDA party have warned Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga against holding public rallies in Kisii region, noting that they will not entertain what they term as 'inciting people against the government.'

Led by former Kisii governor James Ong'wae and former Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, the leaders told Raila to steer clear from holding his nationwide public rallies in Kisii and that he is not welcome in the region.

Maangi further accused Raila of double-speak, arguing that Raila had once urged Nyanza residents to embrace President Ruto's government yet he started rallies opposing the same government.

"It therefore comes as a surprise to us to learn that the same Raila is inciting the people of Gusii and trying to turn them against the government of the day," he said while addressing the press on Sunday.

He added: "We as Gusii leaders reject this attempt and condemn it in the strongest terms possible. Mr. Raila Odinga must leave us as the Omogusii to hit our own political future which at the moment is with H.E William Ruto."

"It should be noted that, of all the so-called maandamanos, none has been held in Luo Nyanza. Why? Why is he misusing other people? As the Gusii community, we disassociate ourselves from those maandamanos and let him know that he is not welcome to Kisii, aende afanyie huko kwao! Sio hapa."

Maangi further brought to fore the alleged police raid at former Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang'i, claiming that it was Raila's plot to make the "Gusii Nation sympathize with Matiangi" so that they could warm up to his visit in the region which was scheduled for Monday.

He also claimed that the alleged plot was to cause distractions from holding a homecoming ceremony of Education CS Ezekiel Machogu set for later in the month, which he maintained that it is still on schedule.

"We as Omogusii leaders reject any attempt by Raila and his puppet Matiangi to turn us against our president. It will not happen! We also condemn the so-called maandamanos and warn Raila to restrict them to Luo Nyanza not Kisii," he said.

"Machogu’s homecoming will still be there, we believe that Omogusii will come out in large numbers to welcome H.E William Ruto to Gusii. Nothing, no amount of intimidation will turn us against our beloved president and our minister."

His sentiments were also backed by the ex-governor Ong'wae.

Maangi and Ong'wae were part of the Raila-led ODM party until they announced their defection to UDA in November 2022 over 'ill treatment'.

Tags:

Kisii leaders UDA Raila Odinga Azimio la Umoja Citizen TV Citizen Digital

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories