Opposition chiefs on Thursday took on President William Ruto
over presiding over unchecked excesses including alleged importation of 25,000
tonnes of toxic sugar.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and People’s Liberation Party boss
Martha Karua launched a scathing attack at the President, accusing him of among
others, weaponising the police to silence dissent and settle political scores.
Citing the recent teargasing of Democracy for the Citizens Party
leaders last week, the opposition chiefs said it was a calculated strategy to
intimidate critics and suppress democratic freedoms.
“A few days ago, members of the United Opposition, while on
a meet the people tour—a right that is enshrined in our constitution—were met
by violence of police bullets and state-sponsored militia,” Karua who read the
joint statement said.
“The evidence is clear in the bullet holes aimed at specific
targets and vehicles. We thank the Almighty God for His protection.”
The leaders cited the forceful dispersal of opposition
rallies, arbitrary detentions, and surveillance of activists as evidence of a
creeping police state.
They warned that if the trend continues, the country risks
sliding into authoritarianism.
Speaking at Liberation House, the leaders reiterated their
push to send home the current regime in 2027 to save the country from alleged
mismanagement.
“The United Opposition has one aim—to rescue and liberate
our beloved nation from the clutches of the tyrannically inept Ruto
dictatorship. That is why we and the majority of Kenyans say unequivocally
‘wantam’,” the former justice minister said.
“We can no longer allow these brazen criminal acts, the
subversion of rule of law must not be allowed to continue because of “Orders
from Above.” Enough is enough.”
The meeting was also attended by Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), MPs
Robert Mbui (Kathiani), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha), Onsemus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North),
Benjamin Mejjadonk (Embakasi Central), Senator John Methu (Nyandarua) and Shakila
Abdalla (nominated Senator) among others.
In solidarity with those who were murdered by the police
bullets, the opposition chiefs wore black armbands during the briefing at
Liberation House.
The leaders also claimed a sugar consignment—reportedly
condemned as unfit at the source of origin —was sneaked into the country
through the Port of Mombasa with the knowledge and protection of senior
government operatives.
“We are aware of a cargo of 25,000 tonnes of sugar that
recently landed in our Port of Mombasa. These sugar is already on its way to a
Western Kenya sugar factory to be repackaged and sold to unsuspecting Kenyans,”
the opposition chiefs alleged.
They demanded the immediate destruction of the alleged
condemned sugar, which they insisted, poses serious health risks to Kenyans.
“We demand that this consignment already earmarked be
publicly condemned and destroyed as it is unfit for public consumption,” Karua
said.
The leaders also demanded that the government addresses the
capitation to schools warning many learners risk dropping out of school
following the shocking revelations.
“The government must restore full capitation to schools and
publish a clear, time-bound commitment to fund free education as enshrined in
law,” Karua said.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Opposition leaders were this week blocked from addressing
rallies in Murang'a county by police officers, the leaders were not only teargased
but had their vehicles smashed after confrontation with the law enforces.
