Thika Lobby group urges Raila to stop destabilizing peace

The clergymen under the Covenant Clergy Alliance in Thika have urged former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to halt Monday demonstrations and promote peace.

The former Prime Minister on Monday will lead other opposition leaders and a legion of supporters to the city’s central business district to castigate the government over the high cost of living.

The clergy team believes the demonstrations might evolve into running battles with law enforcement who have severally warned against disruption of businesses.

Speaking to media ,on Thursday, the team led by Bishop David Ngari alias Gakuyo said that the church will not allow Raila Odinga and his allies to destabilize peace across the Country.

Gakuyo said that the church will play its oversight and won’t watch as the Country goes back to 2007-2008 post-election violence.

He noted that Raila should use the right channel and reach out to the head of state William Ruto and iron out any issues affecting Kenyans.

“Raila Odinga should not incite Kenyans against each other as this will automatically lead to bloodshed, HE (Raila) should use alternative means,” Gakuyo said.

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Gakuyo noted that Kenyans aren’t ready to go against a legally constituted government.

The Church pleaded with Kenyans to maintain peace and support President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

Integrity Watch, a group of NGOs, civil society organizations, and faith-based organizations, a month ago had cautioned politicians against holding rallies in the Central Business District of cities and major towns.

The group said rallies in CBDs are likely to lead to destruction or loss of business in urban areas.

Political analyst-cum-columnist with Star Albert Kasembeli has said Raila might be plotting to push the Kenya Kwanza administration to the corner.

He said that just as former president Uhuru Kenyatta reached out to Raila; Ruto should not be exceptional for the sake of the Country.

“The peace of the Country is very important and both Raila and William Ruto should dialogue and seek solution ahead of Monday’s demonstrations,” he said.

Kasembeli further cited recent demonstrations in Kisumu where a rowdy crowd destabilized a meeting organized by the communication Authority of Kenya.

Nairobi ODM chairman George Aladwa confirmed to the media they will converge at Jevanjee Gardens from 9am urging supporters to throng the venue for the crucial event that will end by mid-day.

President William Ruto has warned opposition leader Raila Odinga against holding unlawful protests that will destroy lives and property or paralyse business operations in the country.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has also sent a stern warning that any unlawful activity would be met with the full force of the law.