MP Ndindi Nyoro tells off Raila over protest threat

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has told off Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga for threatening to resume demonstrations should the ongoing talks with the ruling coalition fail.

Last weekend, Raila who was speaking during a rally in Kitengela, Kajiado County, said he would not be intimidated.

He took a swipe at the deputy president Rigathi Gachagua for claiming he is after a Handshake deal with the government.

But the MP who is also the chairperson of the budget committee in the National Assembly said the country will no longer be held at ransom by a few individuals pushing for their interests.

While insisting that Raila is gunning for a share of the Kenya Kwanza government, Nyoro said Kenyans are fed up with talks of positions and want to see leaders putting measures in place to better their lives.

“I am happy that the President has been launching many programmes all over the country. Kenyans want leaders to work for them and speak through actions,” he said.

The MP said the ongoing bi-partisan talks between the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions should steer clear of the debate on a Handshake.

“Those who are part of the dialogue are free to talk about anything. They can even talk about climate change but we don’t want them to engage in talks about positions. "Mambo ya handshake, hiyo haitakuwa’” he said.

Speaking at Kamaguta area in his constituency, Nyoro said Raila is welcome to hold demonstrations and should therefore stop issuing threats.

However, he emphasized that the government will not allow protests that will result in the destruction of Kenyans’ properties.

“If you want to go back to the streets, stop issuing threats. Get out tomorrow and hold demonstrations but as you do that, understand that our President won't be cowed. He’s been brought up in the grassroots like us”.

“Don’t think you are blackmailing anyone as you threaten to hold demonstrations. There is no one to blackmail in Kenya. Leave alone our President, even us in the lower cadres, we have no room to accommodate blackmail”.

“But as you go, know that no one will be allowed to destroy businesses belonging to other Kenyans again. There will be no more destructive chaos because enough is enough."

Nyoro said this just a day after the President slammed Raila over the statements and vowed to do everything possible to ensure the country is not thrown back into protests.

The President said street protests have previously been used to promote violence and sabotage the economy, vowing to not allow them to recur.

Nyoro also launched the tarmacking of the Maragua River Kamaguta Ndutumi Githioro road which is expected to boost agricultural activities in the agriculturally rich area.

He lauded the President for the many development projects going on in his constituency, reiterating that the aim of the Kenya Kwanza administration is to empower Kenyans.