Nine allegedly dissident ODM Members of Parliament have urged their constituents to stay away from the Raila Odinga-called mass protest on Monday and have stated that they will not be attending it either.
The legislators contend that political squabbling and other manifestations of political partisanship won’t help Kenya overcome its current economic problems.
The MPs said it is time for a national economic debate to find solutions to the country’s collective economic issues while speaking at a press conference at the Parliament buildings on Friday.
“Let our political rivalry match that of competing economic theories. The MPs issued a joint press statement, which was read by Suba South legislator Caroli Omondi, encouraging all Kenyans who choose to participate in the demonstrations scheduled for next week to do so peacefully and in a way that enhances democratic governance rather than one that encourages chaos and the dissolution of law and order.
Sen. Tom Ojienda of Kisumu, MPs Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), and Felix Odiwour alias Jalang’o, and the Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda were also present.
The MPs stated that while they agree that every individual or group of individuals has the right to picket and hold demonstrations as a means of expressing their political goals, such actions must be carried out within the bounds of the Constitution.
“We recognize the importance of such efforts in advancing our democracy. We firmly believe that such protests must be lawful, orderly, and refrain from violating the rights and property of others,” they continued.
The renegade MPs said they would not be taking part in the planned protests, despite being elected on the ODM party ticket.
“We also encourage our supporters to follow suit. We urge participants to return as quickly as possible to their regular social and economic activities.
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