Raila differs with Kenya Kwanza leaders over Cherera 4 in Kilifi

By Tobby Otum

Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga differed with Kenya Kwanza leaders in Kilifi county over the suspension of four IEBC commissioners regarding their conduct during the August elections.

Raila, who attended the homecoming of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, announced that the December 7 convention at Kasarani was in place and told all his supporters countrywide to join in the protests saying the government was heading in the wrong direction.

He said that on December 12 Azimio will hold parallel Jamhuri celebrations in Nairobi as they will not join President Ruto’s national celebrations.

But Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa, Deputy Majority leader in parliament Owen Baya and UDA MPs told off Raila and urged Kenyans to reject the calls for demonstrations in the country.

Jumwa said Raila should accept defeat as he was not the one who was declared president after the August 9 elections the same way she lost in the Kilifi elections for Governor.

The CS said ODM Party leaders should instead go and sit with Ruto privately and discuss their matters to reach amicable solutions instead of taking back the country to campaign mood.

On his part Kilifi North MP Owen Baya said Kilifi was not ready to be taken back to the campaign mood as demonstrations would hurt the tourism sector badly.

Baya told the former Prime Minister to forget about his plans and accept that he lost the elections.

Also present were Mombasa Governor Abdlussamad Shariff Nassir, Taita Governor Andrew Mwadime, MPs Ken Chonga of Kilifi South, Rabai MP Kenga Mupe, Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Speaker Teddy Mwambire among other leaders.