The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has urged its supporters not to heed calls to take to the streets next Thursday to participate in the June 25 memorial protests.
The leaders, who held grassroots mobilisation drives in Homa Bay and Kwale counties, affirmed that ODM remains firmly in the broad-based government and wants efforts to compensate victims of past protests to continue instead of further demonstrations
Led by ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, the leaders criticised those behind the planned protests, saying the party remains committed to the broad-based government and will not participate in the demonstrations.
“We have seen those who are saying even if the Finance Bill is good they will still demonstrate. Huku kwetu tumesema hatutaenda maandamano tena. We have gone to the streets for too many years. Wacha wengine pia wafanye,” said Wanga.
The ODM leaders claimed organisers of the protests have failed to explain why Kenyans should return to the streets.
“Sasa tunaona ni wazee wale waliandamana 1970s ndio wanapanga maandamano, siyo Gen Z tena,” National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed said.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who was part of the Asumbi Meet the People rally, said the Finance Bill passed by the National Assembly on Thursday was above board and questioned the rationale behind the planned protests.
“As long as I am the CS Treasury, I will never bring a Finance Bill that is oppressive,” said Mbadi.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi added,”Tumefaidika. Hatutaki kuona watu wetu wanaingia kwa maandamano, na iwafikie watu wetu wote wanaishi Kisumu, Migori mpaka Nakuru na hata Mombasa,”
In Kwale County, ODM leaders told supporters that the broad-based government is working to deliver on economic and development commitments agreed upon when the two parties signed a memorandum of understanding.
“Sisi hapa Pwani tumeleta suluhu ya mashamba kwa watu wetu,” Mining CS Hassan Joho stated.
“Kutuletea barabara hapa ni makosa? Kuwashikilia watoto wa baba hapa Pwani ni makosa? Ndiyo maana tuko na Ruto kama ODM,” added Mombasa Woman Rep Zamzam Mohamed.
Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi on her part said, “Mimi nilikuwa napiga kelele sana hapo awali lakini sasa tumesema tumshike mkono Rais Ruto.”
