November 28, 2014 - Today's News In Gazetikenya

Resign, ODM leaders tell

 Uhuru 

as they accuse him of failing to 

tame insecurity

POLITICS | Senators, MPs unite in their call for President to step down as they criticise Jubilee Coalition’s response to recent attacks by criminal gangs and terrorists in various parts of the country

Cord leaders yesterday challenged President Kenyatta to resign over rising insecurity a day after he told the public to play a bigger role in fighting crime by taking responsibility for their safety. During yesterday’s prayer service for Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’ in Kisumu, the Cord politicians, led by Mr Raila Odinga said the Jubilee Coalition had failed to provide security, leading to death of innocent Kenyans. The cited the recent Mandera attacks in which 28 people were shot dead by terrorists as well as earlier killings in Mpeketoni, Kapedo and the Westgate Mall, all of which have claimed over 170 lives. Speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Grounds, Siaya Senator James Orengo said Mr Kajwang’s death should be a wake-up call to the President to match his words on improving security with action.

“Kajwang’s last message while debating in the Senate was firmly telling the Jubilee government to put their house in order to avert the security menace,” Mr Orengo told the large gathering that had turned up to pay their last respects to the senator, who died of a heart attack last week. Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama asked the Jubilee government to surrender power to Cord to avert an escalation of insecurity. “Jubilee has failed the country and President Uhuru Kenyatta must surrender or else they will be responsible for the innocent blood,” he said. Suba MP John Mbadi accused the Jubilee government of hoodwinking Kenyans on security matters.

“The President should stop playing public relations at the expense of the security of Kenyans. He should realise that people are dying,” Mr Mbadi said. His Suna counterpart Junet Mohamed called for the resignation of President Kenyatta, saying, his leadership was an example of a failed government. “It’s time President Kenyatta realised that the lives of over 40 million Kenyans are at stake. Time is ripe that Kenyans send the Jubilee government packing,” he said.

A visibly emotional Mr Odinga, who arrived at the venue in a helicopter, led the roaring crowd in chanting “Jowi, Jowi (hero)” to symbolise Kajwang’s bravery. Sensitive issues He thanked the government for the assistance towards the senator’s burial and said ODM was ready to help on sensitive issues facing the country like insecurity. Kajwang’s body was flown to Kisumu in a police aircraft. Mr Odinga also used the occasion to warn ODM rebels to either toe the party line or resign.

“We had warned them before that they either shape up or ship out. The choice is now theirs,” he said. In his eulogy, Mr Odinga said: “Mr Kajwang’s death has dealt ODM and Nyanza region a big blow, something that we are yet to comprehend.” He said Mr Kajwang’ never shied away from enforcing discipline against errant party members. Before the ODM leader arrived at the venue, there had been a security scare at the main dais when hundreds of youths surged forward as the hearse carrying Kajwang’s body arrived. This compelled the bodyguards of various dignitaries on the dais to take strategic positions. The security team had a hectic time prone to attacks since a Kenya Defence Forces camp was removed. The KPR in charge, Mr Abdi Mohammed Isaack, said that they were only four officers in the area.

Gazeti Kenya

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