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Keep off succession politics, Mudavadi tells security chiefs

Monday, January 10th, 2022 12:00 | By
OKA leaders Kalonzo Musyoka (right) and Musalia Mudavadi (second right), watch a football match between AFC Leopards and Nzoia Sugar at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, yesterday. Photo/PD/DENNIS KAVISU

Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi yesterday urged security chiefs to keep off succession politics and concentrate on providing protection to Kenyans.

At the same time, Mudavadi warned political leaders to mind their language and guard against plunging the country into violence as witnessed in the 2007/08.

The former deputy premier asked Interior ministry officials to stop following politicians but instead co-ordinate provision of security for all Kenyans.

“I ask our security agencies to remain true to their call of duty and protect Kenyans.

Our security agencies should not be obsessed with succession politics of the day. Security agencies should guarantee security to all Kenyans irrespective of their political persuasions,” he said.

Speaking at Redeemed Gospel Church, Liberty Centre in Nairobi yesterday, he stated that some security chiefs are already immersed in succession politics, a move he warned may plunge the country into anarchy.

He claimed that some security officers  are openly supporting some presidential aspirants, yet Kenyans continue to lose their lives in Lamu, Laikipia and parts of West Pokot and Baringo counties.

Mudavadi’s concerns come at a time when insecurity incidents continue to be witnessed in different parts of the country with Lamu county being the hardest hit.

Last week, the government imposed a 30-day dusk-to-dawn curfew in areas hit by insecurity in the county after  more than seven people were killed by unknown people.

Challenged church 

Urging the Christians to remain steadfast in calling out leaders sowing seeds of discord among Kenyans, Mudavadi said the Church has a big role to play in shaping the politics of the country and guiding the people in choosing the right leaders.

“The Church should lead its flock to the right leadership. Good leaders are God-given and the clergy has a role to play in achieving this,” he said.

At the same time, Mudavadi urged leaders to weigh their utterances during campaigns so as not to sow seeds of insecurity.

On Saturday, Meru Senator Mithika Linturi uttered words that could have been interpreted to fuel ethnic divisions while in a rally at Eldoret Sports Grounds in the presence of Deputy President William Ruto.

“The peace of our country is vital and no politician should be allowed to sow seeds of discord among Kenyans.

Every Kenyan has a constitutional right to live and work in any part of the country,” he said.

He went on: “It is uncalled for, for leaders to make utterances that may incite peace-loving Kenyans against each other. Let us be responsible in what we say and leaders should not be excited by crowds.”

On the issue of public debt, the former Vice President  expressed concern that the country is wallowing in Sh7.5trillion public debt, adding that the only way for the country to repay the debt will be through taxation. 

He cautioned Kenyans against electing leaders with known records of theft of public resources, adding that the burden of repaying the taxes will be upon their shoulders.

“The more you borrow, the more you will be taxed to pay for the debts. While you ‘Fuliza’ down here, the government ‘Fuliza’ from other countries. You will still pay for these debts. You must be careful on who you choose as the next leader,” he said. 

Mudavadi also said the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should be accorded its independence and adequate budget to enable it register Kenyans to participate in the August polls.

Former Kiambu Governor and Tujibebe Wakenya Party leader,  William Kabogo, who accompanied Mudavadi to the church service apologised for the role he played in convincing President Uhuru Kenyatta to vie for the presidency instead of Mudavadi in 2013.

Forgive me

Kabogo said in the run-up to the 2013 elections, President Uhuru had thrown his weight behind Mudavadi only for him (Kabogo) to convince Uhuru to rescind his decision. “What many may not know and I ask for forgiveness is that in 2013, Uhuru had made a decision to support Mudavadi for the presidency. It is me who camped in Uhuru’s house and convinced him to go for the ticket. I ask for forgiveness,” he said adding, “that was not your (Mudavadi) time then but now it is your time.”

Kabogo reiterated his willingness to work with Mudavadi in forming the next government. “I am able to work in any position in this country. I can be your President or even be Mudavadi’s deputy because he is a truthful leader,” he said.

The former governor downplayed the hyped two-horse race narrative saying the presidential race is for Kenyans to decide.

Nairobi senator Johnson Sakaja said politicians should talk to and with each other and no one should decide who speaks to whom.  He  told Mudavadi to engage whoever he feels he shares a vision with.

“Uhuru talks with Mudavadi, Ruto talks with Uhuru, Raila talks with Ruto and as such, no one should decide which person one is engaging,” he said.

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