County commissioners in Nyanza region could on Wednesday deliver President Uhuru Kenyatta's Madaraka Day celebrations speech to empty celebration venues if a text message circulating is anything to go by.
An SMS whose origin is still unclear started circulating on Thursday reminding residents from the opposition stronghold to boycott the celebrations.
If it succeeds, it means governors from Luo Nyanza, Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Okoth Obado (Migori), Cornel Rasanga (Siaya) and Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay) will not attend the day's events in their respective counties.
The message accuses the police of being too brutal to residents from the region.
It adds that there would be no need to share a platform with a force accused of orchestrating killings recently witnessed during the anti-IEBC demonstrations in Kisumu and Siaya.
“We are not ready to share a platform with the police to celebrate a non-existent Madaraka," the text reads in part.
"None of our governors will be allowed to attend this useless event. Let the police parade and march to empty stadiums and address themselves.”
Madaraka Day since the promulgation of the new Constitution, besides being celebrated at the national level, usually in Nairobi, is also celebrated at the 47 county headquarters.
At the counties, governors and county commissioners crown the annual event by delivering speeches.
If the boycott is adhered to, it also means there will be no inspection of the guard of honour mounted by the police for the county bosses in the region as it is traditionally done.
The crowds will also be less as officials from the county governments in the region will be absent.
Cord has planned a parallel rally on the same day at Uhuru Park Nairobi, an event that will coincide with the main celebrations at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru where President Kenyatta will address the nation from.
In Nairobi however, where the Governor, Dr Evans Kidero was elected on an ODM ticket, celebrations will be held at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The office of ODM Nairobi branch chairman George Aladwa called on Nairobi dwellers to attend the event to be addressed by Dr Kidero in large numbers.
“I urge our Cord supporters to turn out in large numbers during Madaraka Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium to be presided over by His Excellency Governor Dr Evens Kidero," Aladwa said.