"WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN", CORD TELLS UHURU

The Coalition of Reforms and Democracy (CORD) will lead a mass protest on “saba saba” day if the government will not adhere to their call for a national dialogue.

Speaking at Muliro Garden in Kakamega County on Saturday, CORD leader Raila Odinga said that he is not afraid to fight for suffering Kenyans and that the Government has no option but to dialogue with his coalition.

“The Government must know that, I am not afraid of the arrest or being jailed for the interest of Kenyans,” Odinga said.

Reacting to a move by the Director of Public prosecutions, Keriako Tobiko, Who has accused nine CORD leaders for hate speech, Raila said intimidation will not stop them.

He also warned President Uhuru Kenyatta against taking the nation back to the dark era, where there was no freedom of speech.

“Speaking the truth is not hate speech. The president should not take us back to the Nyayo era where there was no freedom of speech. Arresting people will not help solve anything, others have tried it and it did not work.”He said.

The CORD leader, accompanied by 20 Cord MP’s, Said that most of the problems faced by Kenyans today were as a result of historical injustices. He therefore called upon the government to immediately implement The Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Report.

The former prime minister has also distanced himself from claims by Jubilee Mp’s that he wants to shave the president. Instead he says his statement was misinterpreted for he meant no harm to anyone.

“Mimi si kinyozi na Sitaki kunyoa mtu yeyote.” (I am not a barber and I don’t want to shave anyone).

Jakoyo Midiwo, who is among the nine Cord leaders accused of hate speech and who has already recorded his statement, said the DPP should use proper channels in summoning leaders and not the media.

He also warned senate majority Kithure Kindiki and Majority leader of National Assembly Aden Duale that CORD leaders Raila, Wetangula and Kalonzo are not their equal and should give them respect.  

Senate leader Moses Wetangula called upon President Uhuru Kenyatta to hear the cries of Kenyans and to stop blaming CORD leaders for crimes they have not done.

“We are not the opposition we are the alternative government, when we talk we are the voice of kenyans. We are calling upon the government to hear the people’s voice.  The people of this nation want their problems solved.” He said.

Wetangula also noted that the jubilee government has failed in its leadership and it was time for the people to take action. As the window for dialogue is closing fast giving Kenyans no option but to stand as one on July 7^th.

He further added that CORD was not responsible for the blood of innocent Kenyans shed in Mpeketoni. Terming the attack as a clear indication that Jubilee has failed in protecting citizens.

“Intelligence reports from United states of America, France and Britain say Al-shabaab is responsible for the attack. Al-Shabaab has also claimed responsibility for the same. How comes the president is saying otherwise. Where is his intelligence coming from?”

In support of Raila and Wetangula’s remarks, James Orengo urged the government to give evidence to their claims that violence experienced in some parts of the country was political. He said arresting leaders does not scare people but gives them strength to fight for what is just.

CORD leaders cited ethnicity in public appointments, insecurity, high cost of living, corruption and youth unemployment as some of the issues that need to be solved, adding that nobody should be arrested for speaking the truth.