• Raila on Tuesday called for the boycott of Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank and Radio Africa Group, particularly The Star Newspaper.
• He falsely blamed the entities of being enablers and facilitators of what he termed as a brutal regime.
Image: FILE
Azimio leader Raila Odinga's call for his supporters to boycott products from certain companies has continued to be condemned as uncalled for.
Raila on Tuesday called for the boycott of Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank and Radio Africa Group, particularly The Star Newspaper.
He falsely blamed the entities for being enablers and facilitators of what he termed a brutal regime.
"These corporates have become the enemies of the people and are benefiting from the blood and tears of Kenyans," Raila said while declaring that mass action going forward will be held on Mondays and Thursdays.
The media fraternity immediately condemned the remarks terming them reckless.
Former Mukurweini legislator Kabando wa Kabando also weighed in on the matter saying whereas Raila's concerns resonate with majority of Kenyans, the call was unwise.
"To call for boycott of any blue-chip corporation feeding millions via incomes is unwise, ironical," he said in a statement on Twitter.
He pointed out that Kenyans in the Diaspora cannot do without M'pesa, Safaricom's premier money transfer service currently in use across multiple countries.
"Why should NSE-listed KCB suffer siasa (political) prejudice? Is The Star Kenya not a private media protected by our Constitution, Bill of Rights? he posed.
The former MP said Raila runs the risk of lowering his stature as a statesman with his line of politics.
While speaking at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation on Tuesday, the Azimio leader said weekly protests against the William Ruto administration will henceforth be held twice per week - Mondays and Thursdays.
He said the decision was informed by public demand.
“We reiterate to our supporters and all patriotic Kenyans that this struggle is just starting. We are not looking back and we will not be intimidated. No retreat, no surrender,” he said.
But Kabando faulted his boycott call citing economic reasons.
He said as a country, Kenya cannot afford to mount boycotts against firms while her neighbours like Tanzania are developing.
"Nyerere's Tanzania firmly coursing to overtake Kenya economically. Ethiopia is scaling faster, too. As customers, we can't boycott Safaricom and KCB for Raila," Kabando said.
President William Ruto on Wednesday termed the mass action as economic sabotage and said those involved will be dealt with firmly.
Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, Ruto said no one is above the law when it comes to the destruction of property.
He said there is no reason for anyone to disrupt business or sabotage economic activity for personal interest.
While speaking on behalf of the President in Kisii, State House spokesman Hussein Mohamed said Ruto is ready to engage with the Opposition provided it's done through Parliament.
"So, whatever is happening is that the President will operate under the Constitution and he expects, just like any other Kenyan expects, every Kenyan to operate under the rule of law," Mohamed said.
Kabando said under the prevailing circumstances, dialogue is inevitable but it should be on issues affecting all Kenyans but not about handshake.