NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga. [Photo: ODM reloaded/Facebook]
Supporters of the opposition leader Raila Odinga based in the United States and Canada have condemned President Uhuru Kenyatta's government for withdrawing security detail attached to Raila and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka.In a statement to the Nation, the supporters have asked the government to immediately re-instate the security of the two National Super Alliance (Nasa) leaders.They have further cautioned that if anything bad happens to Raila and Kalonzo, Uhuru's government shall be held responsible.“A presidential candidate is a president in waiting, he must be protected. That is why we, members of Nasa USA condemn in the strongest terms possible this desperate and ignorant action by the Jubilee administration to withdraw security detail of a leading Kenyan presidential candidate, Mr Raila Odinga and his running mate Mr Kalonzo Musyoka,” read part of the statement signed by Jack Ambuka of New Jersey.The supporters insisted that the ODM leader needs to be protected since he was a national project and not just an ordinary citizen.
“Protecting a presidential candidate is not a new phenomenon that is exclusive to Kenya. It is a precedent set and adhered to by countries in the whole world. Unfortunately, in Kenya, virtually every government decision is made either at the alter of tribe or on the pulpit of political chicanery. No decision is based on objectivity or pragmatic approach. By withdrawing security detail of Raila Odinga and his running mate, the government is in essence telling the duo that it doesn’t care what happened to them even if they get assassinated." Ambuka noted.
He added, “In fact, withdrawing security is equivalent to inviting and preparing the ground for assassins to carry out their evil responsibility with less or no difficulties at all.”