Opposition leader Raila Odinga[Photo/ Business Daily Africa]The National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga has re-ignited the anti-IEBC demonstrations days to the scheduled repeat presidential poll.
In a new twist of events that displays a more assertive form, Odinga said on Sunday that he was not going to lead his team into an already decided contest.
“We cannot go to the poll again when things have not been properly rectified. Already the rigging plot is in place. We know that votes have already been printed and have been distributed. We are not fools,”Odinga said.
The former Prime Minister now wants supporters of the No Reform, No Election crusade resume their protests on Tuesday and Wednesday this week; October 24, and 25 even as the country plans to hold its presidential re-run on Thursday.
The opposition Alliance says it’s not nearing surrender on its call for a “free, fair and credible poll”.
“We resume our picketing at IEBC offices countrywide this coming Tuesday and Wednesday. As a coalition we maintain that there will be no election on Thursday and the commission must pave way for meaningful reforms. Canaan beckons and there is no turning back,” Odinga explained on Sunday.
He was speaking in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County.
His call countered President Uhuru Kenyatta’s appeals to Kenyans to exercise peaceful coexistence. Kenyatta stated that the election was a one day fete that needed not to divide the country.
The head of state said he will respect the decision of those who will boycott the poll.
He warned the country against being subject to politicians’ incitement for war.
“Even as I urge all Kenyans to come out and vote, those who will vote and those who will not must remember that after October 26 they will still be neighbours and they must continue to live together harmoniously,” President Kenyatta said in Nakuru.
During the National prayer meeting at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru town, DP William Ruto assured Kenyans that the country will continue on the path of stability after the October 26 fresh presidential poll but urged them to say no to the politics of tribalism and hatred that had the potential of plunging the country into trouble.
“I know there is anxiety in the country. I know there are those who do not know what will happen. But we have come to Nakuru for prayers so that the country can know all is well and that God is in charge. And like He has done before, He will take us across this hurdle,” DP Ruto said.
The DP urged Kenyans to disregard their ethnicity, political affiliation and religious background in ensuring that every talent and every resource in the country is channelled to purposes of unity for prosperity.
He said; “It is our humble prayer to God to spare Kenya and take our country to a new level of progress, growth and stability – a nation where no one will be left behind and a Kenya we can all be proud citizens.”