KISII, Kenya, Mar 24 – Leaders from the Abagusii community have distanced themselves from the ongoing demonstrations convened by the Opposition.
Led by Governors Simba Arati (Kisii), his Nyamira counterpart Amos Nyaribo, the elected leaders said they will not be part of the demonstrations.
Speaking at Gesusu Primary School grounds in Nyaribari Masaba, Kisii County, during a thanksgiving ceremony for Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, the leaders said elections are over and it’s time to deliver.
“We have accepted the outcome of the last General Election and we have decided to move on and serve the people,” said Mr Arati.
He described President William Ruto as a leader whose focus is on development and transformation of the country.
“I have just come to learn that President Ruto is not a vengeful person. He is actually a man with a good heart,” said Mr Arati.
He expressed concern that the ongoing demonstrations were hurting businesses belonging to people from the Kisii community, especially in Nairobi.
“People from Gusiiland suffer when demonstrations turn violent, and the matatu and other transport businesses are affected,” said Mr Arati.
The governor cautioned those planning demonstrations to do so in accordance with the law.
Mr Nyaribo said they have accepted defeat and agreed to support the government in addressing challenges facing Kenyans.
“In Nyamira, we have resolved to put aside politics and work closely with the government for the sake of development, ” said Mr Nyaribo.
Senator Richard Onyonka and MPs Daniel Manduku (Nyaribari Masaba, ODM), and Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango, UDA) spoke on behalf of local MPs.
Mr Manduku said the last General Election is “now behind us’, adding that it was time to serve the people.
Senator Onyonka urged the President to bring all leaders together, saying a handshake between President Ruto and the Azimio leader should not be entertained.
Mr Onyonka said President Ruto has proved that he will work with leaders from all parts of the country.
“For that, we will also work with him and the government,” he said.
President Ruto said he was ready to work with all leaders for the sake of development.
“We are ready to work with all leaders irrespective of how they voted during the last General Election. This is the government for all Kenyans,” he said.
President Ruto told Mr Raila Odinga to stop being arrogant and contemptuous of people at the bottom of the pyramid.
“Even if my friend Raila Odinga has a problem with me, he should stop destructive demonstrations that hurt the businesses of hustlers and face me instead,” the President said.
The Head of State said Kenyans want a peaceful environment for businesses to thrive, saying elections were over and the country has moved on.
Dr Ruto asked the police, who have constitutional independence, to deal firmly with those who destroy property and harm lives irrespective of who they are.
“Those unleashing terror, violence and anarchy on the people of Kenya should be dealt with properly. Raila Odinga should stop terrorising the people of Kenya with violence,” President Ruto said.
He added:”Nobody has the license to terrorise Kenyans with chaos, violence and anarchy and go off scot- free.”
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said President Ruto has nothing to negotiate with Mr Odinga.
He urged Church leaders to ask Mr Odinga to call off his destructive demonstrations, saying Kenyans have moved on after the last General Election.
“We can only have one thing to discuss with Raila Odinga. His exit from Kenyan politics,” said Mr Gachagua.
Mr Mudavadi assured Kenyans that the country, under the leadership of President Ruto, was on the right track to economic recovery.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa and his Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot said the ongoing demonstrations were part of efforts by the Opposition to sabotage the economy.
“There should be no negotiation with leaders over positions; any discussions should be about economic recovery and national development,” said Mr Ichungwa.
Mr Cheruiyot told Mr Odinga to come to terms with the fact that he lost the election and should move on.
“Mr Odinga should know that after elections, the winners take office, while those who lose move on with their lives,” said Mr Cheruiyot.
About The Author
