Linda Mwananchi storms Meru as Sifuna calls for unity against Ruto
Days after encountering fatal goon attacks in Homa Bay County, the Linda Mwananchi movement on Sunday continued its grassroots mobilisation meetings in Meru County, vowing that no amount of political violence would stop them.
The Senator Edwin Sifuna-led movement, which was hosted by former Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza, who is also the Umoja na Maendeleo Party (UMP) leader, arrived in Meru to a rousing welcome in the region considered to be Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s backyard.
During the Linda Mwananchi rallies in Homa Bay two weeks ago, two people were killed, more than 40 injured and property worth millions of shillings destroyed as goons and gangs sought to block opposition leaders.
Mr Sifuna and his entourage addressed supporters at Kiirua, Githongo, Nkubu, Meru town and Kianjai in a peaceful tour that contrasted with the recent violent Homa Bay visit.
He was accompanied by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, among others.
“They dared us to come to Meru, but nothing can stop us. We appreciate the people of Meru for upholding peace and showing how democracy should work. When we went to Homa Bay, a few leaders tried to block us from addressing the people. They are working hard to create an impression that this regime has support in some parts of Kenya,” Mr Sifuna said.
He hit out at President William Ruto’s administration over what he termed disregard for the rule of law and the Constitution, besides failure to fulfil election pledges.
“Our manifesto is to restore the rule of law and constitutionalism. We want to uphold human rights and democratic tenets. No matter how much President Ruto tries to show that he respects the Constitution, he cannot succeed.
“Just a day after marking 16 years of the Constitution and committing to respect the rights enshrined in it, traders were tear-gassed in Nairobi for protesting against high taxes,” Senator Sifuna said.
He accused the Interior Cabinet Secretary of abdicating his role of securing Kenyans by allowing bandits and goons to terrorise the country.
“When Linda Mwananchi forms the next government, Murkomen will be the first Cabinet Secretary to be fired. He has failed to contain bandits in Meru and the goons who keep attacking the opposition in meetings across the country,” the Nairobi Senator said.
He accused the government of sponsoring violence and using extra-constitutional means to show popularity.
“Mr President, you cannot force Kenyans to respect you. Respect is earned. The presidency is a symbol of national unity, but Mr Ruto has become a symbol of our collective embarrassment and shame. For him to earn respect from us, he must lead by example,” the former ODM Secretary General said.
The Linda Mwananchi team intensified calls on the opposition to unite so as to secure a decisive win against President William Ruto in the General Election.
“We in the Linda Mwananchi movement are pursuing the unity of the opposition so that we can have an easier win. We have strict instructions from Kenyans to work together in the opposition,” Mr Sifuna said.
He added: “We will not let anyone cause cracks in the opposition. We must work together so that we don’t let Kenyans down.”
Mr Owino, who is eyeing the Nairobi City County gubernatorial seat, said the opposition must unite and nominate a single presidential candidate.
The opposition firebrands maintained that the broad-based administration had failed Kenyans and ignored all tenets of democracy as guided by the Constitution.
They accused President Ruto of failing to address pertinent issues affecting Kenyans, such as joblessness and the high cost of living.
Mr Sifuna accused the current administration of entrenching corruption and state capture, which he said had affected independent government agencies.
“Our manifesto is meant to restore meritocracy and respect for the Constitution. We have seen Teachers Service Commission appointment letters being dished out to cronies at State House. Under our government, independent government agencies must be respected and allowed to do their work without interference,” he said.
The Embakasi East MP Babu Owino lashed out at the government over the controversial police uniforms tender, terming it a misplaced priority.
“The government found it fit to spend Sh2.5 billion on buying police uniforms when millions of youths remain jobless. This government promised to create one million jobs, but what they have delivered are misplaced priorities.
“The Sh2.5 billion could have served Kenyans better if it was used to build industries to create jobs,” Mr Owino said.
The leaders also called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to enhance its systems and processes to ensure a credible election.
“The government is dishing out IDs to underage youth in some parts of Kenya. The IEBC should up its game and watch out for any form of rigging. The IEBC must also be a neutral arbiter in the build-up to the election,” Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya said.
They also expressed support for Ms Mwangaza, arguing that she was unfairly bundled out of office by pro-government politicians.
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