A session of Bunge La Mwananchi at Nairobi's Jeevanjee Gardens. [Photo/BLM]
Bunge La Mwananchi members are accusing National Resistance Movement (NRM) leader Raila Odinga of hijacking their idea. The group, which was established to address concerns of people who felt deprived of social justice and good living conditions, instead wants Raila to apply and be a admitted as a member. “Although Bunge La Wananchi is an open platform and we indeed invite him to join as a Kenyan, we find some of his agenda contrary to the core mission and tenets of our movement,” said Chairman Henry Shitanda, as quoted by Nairobi Wire.Raila has called for the formation of “people’s assemblies” to discuss the conduct of IEBC, police and other issues of national importance, which is largely being done already by Bunge La Mwananchi. The chairman said Raila will be allowed to join the movement and take part in the organisation’s upcoming election, where he will face competition from other members who are seeking the mandate to lead the movement.Mr Shitanda said NRM leader will be welcome to attend daily debates at Nairobi’s Jevanjee Gardens, where his agenda will be adopted or face rejection from the members. “We shall require Mr Odinga and his co-principals to abide by our rules and democratic traditions. We are a non-violent movement that seeks to unite all Kenyans and we require him to publicly reject violence and the secession agenda before joining the movement or we shall reject his agenda totally,” said Mr Shitanda.“He will choose what sitting to attend as we are devolved to all areas and counties, but he can join the Jeevanjee meeting.”