Raila Odinga. [Photo/ Capital FM]
The Odinga family has for years enjoyed near-fanatical political support in Luo Nyanza region.
But this is now being threatened after a section of voters from the lakeside warned NASA leader Raila Odinga to stop his costly pursuit for democracy at the expense of the Luo community.
In a paid-up advert appearing in local dailies, members of the Luo Voters Forum strongly noted that the community of over four million people has for long suffered death, loss and disruption every time Raila calls for mass action, with the resultant cost far outweighing the reward.
Citing the deadly 2007/08 post-election violence as well as the as the post 2013 election street demos to kick out IEBC officials, they appealed to the ODM leader to not involve the community in his current onslaught to kick out the current IEBC team.
“Unfortunately, the brunt of this violence, whether it happens in Nairobi, Kisumu or at the Coast, is felt mainly by the Luo. In fact in all the cases above, it is the areas where Luos are resident that have suffered most loss; especially Kibera and Kisumu town,” read the advert.
“This is where we suffer disruption of our usual lives, police brutality, destruction of property, injury of residents, and death... We, the Luo community, are the ones who get disproportionately affected during these violent protests. We suffer more, and gain least” it continued.
They detailed the destruction of schools, hospitals and homes in their areas during demonstrations and demanded that this stops.
“Hon. Raila Odinga, we want to now tell you that Luo Lives Matter. We want you to continue pursuing democracy, but not at the expense of our lives and livelihoods. We cannot continue carrying the burdens of loss, death and disruption so that you can achieve your personal political ambitions,” the stated.
They warned that any calls for mass action as Kenya prepares for a repeat presidential election will further polarize the country and disrupt national peace and tranquility, and that such calls will also certainly face forceful resistance from state security agencies.
“We urge our fellow kinsmen to walk with us, hand in hand. We must now show the rest of the country and the world that as a community we understand that Kenya is a country of rules, and that we respect the rule of law,” read the advert signed by Charles Otieno from Nairobi, Jethro Oduor from Siaya, Elijah Kutei from Kisumu, Morris Onyango from Suba and Duncan Konyando from Homa Bay.
The forum pleaded with the Inspector General of Police to protect members of the community from Raila and his relentless political exploitation.