Isiolo South lawmaker Tepo Abdi and his Samburu counterpart Maison Leshomo have said Raila’s plans to take an illegal oath on Jamhuri Day cannot translate to taking over power/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 29 – Two Members of Parliament are calling on National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga to shelve his swearing-in plans in the interest of the country’s stability.
Isiolo South lawmaker Tepo Abdi and his Samburu counterpart Maison Leshomo have said Raila’s plans to take an illegal oath on Jamhuri Day cannot translate to taking over power.
“This country needs to move forward. Businesspeople need to work and our workers need to engage in economic activities that will benefit this country and I wish to invite our colleagues from the Opposition that they need to take their position as a stronger Opposition side. Odinga’s swearing-in plan is nothing but a dream,” said Abdi.
On Tuesday, Odinga made a declaration that he will take oath of office on Jamhuri Day using Chapter 1 of the Constitution, which states that sovereign power belongs to the people.
He made the assertion moments before police used tear gas to stop him and his supporters from marching to Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi.
“I am a legitimate President and I will be sworn as President on Jamhuri Day, I was validly elected on August 8,” said Odinga.
On her part, Leshomo said it’s high time leaders from both side of the political divide join hands in building a cohesive nation.
“A country cannot have two Presidents. As leaders across the political divide we need to come together in a bid to unify Kenyans and develop our country,” said Leshomo.
Odinga has remained adamant that he will not recognize President Uhuru Kenyatta as the legitimate leader despite being sworn-in Tuesday.
On Tuesday, in his address at Kasarani Stadium, Kenyatta who struck a conciliatory tone said he was ready to work with the opposition and incorporate their constructive ideas that would add to the development of the country.
“We may have chosen different candidates and different visions but each one of us voted for a better life. I too listened carefully to my competitors and in the spirit of inclusivity; I will endeavour to incorporate some of their ideas. This is because the election was not a contest between a good dream and a bad dream. It was a contest between two competing visions,” he said.
Kenyatta pledged to reach out to all leaders stating that his second term will focus on strengthening ties that bind Kenyans and universal health care.
About The Author
