- Led by the UDA Nyanza coordinator Aggrey Otore, the officials asked Azimio leaders to stop profiling those who were appointed by the president to work in his government.
- In particular, the UDA officials defended the Interior PS Dr Raymond Omollo whom they noted was appointed to the position to serve Kenyans and not just people from his community.
Image: FILE
UDA officials from Luo Nyanza on Tuesday sprung to the defence of high-ranking officers from the region who are serving in President William Ruto's government.
Led by the UDA Nyanza coordinator Aggrey Otore, the officials asked Azimio leaders to stop profiling those who were appointed by the president to work in his government.
In particular, the UDA officials defended the Interior PS Dr Raymond Omollo whom they noted was appointed to the position to serve Kenyans and not just people from his community.
The PS, rebel ODM MPs and former elected leaders from the Luo Nyanza who have declared their support for Ruto's government were the focus of criticism by the Azimio brigade who accused them of going to bed with the "oppressor".
In a statement released on Sunday, minority leader Opiyo Wandayi alleged that sons and daughters from the region who are in government and leaders backing Ruto's administration were "working with outsiders to exterminate the community ".
Wandayi said, "It is unfortunate and indeed depressing that our own sons and daughters in government are working with outsiders to exterminate the Luo".
This was in reference to what the opposition termed as police brutality while dealing with demonstrators.
Wandayi's statement attracted furious condemnation by the UDA officials from Luo Nyanza who asked for respect and support for those working in government.
The UDA Nyanza coordinator, flanked by Muga Kamata, (UDA Chairman of Kabondo Kasipul Constituency), George Ogwang' from South Kasipul Ward in Kasipul Constituency and Arthur Aoko from West Kamagak in Kasipul Constituency said the PS was a technocrat and shouldn’t be dragged into politics.
"We are saddened by this turn of events. We want to ask Azimio leadership to stop profiling our sons and daughters working in government," Otore said.
He wondered why the opposition was quick to condemn the police but failed to call out protesters who destroy property and loot businesses.
"A chief's house was torched in Bondo but we are yet to hear them condemn this action," he said.
"We will continue to support our sons and daughters who are working in President Ruto's government even as we also back the president," he said.
The UDA officials said persistent attacks directed at the PS should be viewed as misplaced energy.
"Dr Omollo is a technocrat and not a politician. He is a civil servant. Profiling him or endlessly attacking him is misplaced energy," the coordinator stated.
While condemning the street protests called by the opposition to push the government to lower the cost of living, the leaders noted that the protests have hurt Kenyans more rather than achieving its intended objectives.
"We condemn these protests. We were urged by Azimio leaders before the last general elections to only turn out in numbers to vote and leave the rest to them. Why should we now be asked again to take part in the protests?" Muga quipped.
The UDA chairman for Kasipul Constituency said Kenya has a validly elected president who needs time and support to deliver on what he promised.
"The destructions must stop. The protests continue to hurt the people more, even in Azimio zones. Let's give the president time to serve," Muga said.
He defended the PS, saying he can not be expected to protect those who are destroying people's property and causing mayhem.
"He is not a PS for the Luo community. Anyone who disobeys the law cannot expect protection from the PS," he added.
The UDA Constituency chairman further stated that the police department is independent and is allowed to deal firmly with any lawbreaker.
He appealed to the youth to ignore calls to antagonise them with the government of the day.
"We are calling for our youth to embrace peace. Let them use their energies to engage in productive activities. Let nobody fool them into antagonising government," he said.
Their reactions came as Azimio shelved the planned protests for Wednesday.
Instead, the opposition has asked its supporters to light candles in honour of those who died during the protests and offer prayers.
On Wednesday, the Interior PS and Nyanza regional commissioner Flora Mworoa are expected in Bondo sub-county to visit the home of a chief in the area whose house was burnt down during the protests.