Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has claimed the anti-government demonstrations organised by Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition are a threat to the county.
In a series of tweets engaging Homa Bay Town and Rarieda Members of Parliament Peter Kaluma and Otiende Amollo, respectively, Ojienda defended his position on the protests that have rocked the country for a couple of weeks now.
Ojienda’s take
“In my view, the real threat to this country is the continued call for Maandamano.
“Hon. Kaluma, I stand for the just Rule of Law for both citizens and law enforcers, I condemn police brutality; and, in equal measure, I support the proper exercise of rights under Article 37, [including] the cessation of looting and destruction of property. What is your view on stopping Maandamano?
“SC Otiende Amollo, face the truth; some politicians are telling our youth that our route to the presidency is through Maandamano. I don’t agree!” Ojienda said.
While some members of Azimio have been vocal supporters of the anti-government protests, some have decided to oppose them, others are low-key participants.
Dissidents in ODM
Ojienda is one of the leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) who have fallen out with the party’s hierarchy for associating with President William Ruto.
Ojienda is not the only MP from ODM who has defied the party line and taken a different path on a number of issues. Some, including Felix Odiwuor, alias Jalango, have been summoned for a disciplinary meeting over his association with the president too.
During the Finance Bill debate, some MPs voted for it, contrary to the party’s stand, while others abstained. According to the party secretary general, Edwin Sifuna, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Aden Adow Mohamed (Wajir South MP), Elisha Ochieng Odhiambo (Gem MP), and Caroli Omondi (Suba MP) voted for the bill and all faced disciplinary meetings together with those who abstained.
Source: People Daily