KENYA: CORD Coalition has accused the Government of planning to roll back constitutionally entrenched liberties by re-introducing political repression on its critics.
Legislators from the coalition sensationally claimed that their leader, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was being targeted by the Jubilee Government as a cover up for its failures.
The leaders, who included senators and National Assembly members, claimed the recent summoning for questioning of Raila’s aide, Eliud Owalo, by Criminal Investigations Department officers for alleged plans of destabilising the Government was actually a move targeted at CORD leaders.
Led by Kisumu Senator and CORD whip in Senate, Anyang Nyong’o, and Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, the members of the opposition claimed that the use of police was meant to intimidate CORD leaders and especially Raila in a bid to silence him.
“Let it be clear, we know that Owalo is only a decoy. The pursuit of Owalo is a diversionary tactic as the real target is his boss Raila and other CORD principals; Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula,” said CORD leaders in a statement read by Nyong’o.
They urged the Government to avoid taking the country back to the days when members of the opposition were targeted for oppression.
“Let us not revert to being a police State. These Gestapo tactics must stop. The Government must desist from using untoward tactics,” said the Kisumu Senator.
Muthama challenged the Government to substantiate the claims for which Owalo was being questioned, terming them as comical, cheap but treasonable.
The leaders claimed that Owalo is being accused by police of conducting secret meetings and organising youths to form a revolt against the Government.
They say he is also accused of organising diplomats, foreign embassies, clergy and members of the civil society to support his cause and introduce an Egypt-style revolution.
The leaders also claimed that Owalo, who was in charge of Raila’s campaign Secretariat, was said to have received huge financial backing from foreign embassies.
“We want the Jubilee Government to substantiate all these allegations. Let them not use the police to intimidate us because we will not fall for their tricks,” said Muthama.
By MOSES NJAGIH, The Standard