Stop regressive politics, polls are over – Mudavadi tells Azimio

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has condemned the weekly protests called by the opposition.

He said the opposition, led by Raila Odinga, should accept the fact that the electioneering period is long gone and it is now down to business.

"We are telling the opposition and its leadership that it is not time for protests but for development. We all know the mess Kenya is in economically and we cannot afford to waste any more time engaging in politics that will not change anything at this moment,” Mudavadi said.

The Prime CS who was speaking in Iguyio village Ikolomani constituency in Kakamega on Saturday, cautioned the unlawful protests, saying the government will not sit back and watch as they engage in actions that will hurt the country's normalcy.

He termed it prudent for the Azimio leadership to understand and accept the fact that their leader, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta handed over power to President Ruto.

"If they think they can change anything now, then they are wrong. I have been with Uhuru in peacekeeping mission engagements in Abuja and Bujumbura. He said he handed power and all the legal instruments peacefully. So, our friends should stop wasting time in protests,” Mudavadi said.

Mudavadi’s sentiments come a day after the Saba Saba declaration by Azimio that has been termed as retrogressive as far as national unity and cohesion are concerned.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary further challenged Azimio to tell Kenyans the parameters they are pegging their protests on, saying Azimio is only after causing mayhem and disrupting Kenya Kwanza's plan of taking the country’s economy back on track.

“They are running up and down day and night but back in their minds they know very well that the President of Kenya, legitimately elected and sworn in is William Ruto,” he affirmed.

Mudavadi had attended the burial of Ian Ayodi Diru, son of his Personal Aide Alfred Diru.

He further extended an olive branch to all leaders from Western Kenya irrespective of their political affiliation to join hands for the good and betterment of the region.

He called on them to rally together, have a common focus and goal of uniting the people of Western region and work towards empowering them economically and politically.

“We want as a region when we get to 2027, we should have increased our footprint and speak with the same voice as ever before. As Western Kenya leaders we should emulate leaders from other regions who are not wasting time on petty politics but uniting for the common good of their people and regions,” Mudavadi said.

“Let us work together, I have always advocated for an open-door policy. We need to have a collective discussion that will guide our region towards development.”

Mudavadi also urged Kenyans to understand the reasons the government is emphasizing revenue collection.

He reiterated the need for Kenyans to support the Finance Law that has since elicited mixed reactions saying it is for the good of the nation.

“Several times, I have told Kenyans that no country globally has developed without collecting its revenue to aid in development and service delivery to its citizens. No country can prosper without collecting taxes,” Mudavadi said.

He said the government cannot borrow as a government to service salaries.

"If as a country you get to the level of borrowing to pay salaries then it is bankrupt,” Mudavadi said.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary assured Kenyans that there is hope and soon, they will see a turn-around in their fortunes and a positive difference in their lives.

“It is a fact that we must face and feel pain for some time. But the rewards if we support the government’s plan and be focused as a nation will be great sooner than later,” he said.

He called on the political leadership in the country to work towards making a difference in the country.