Wiper Party Chair Chirau Ali Mwakwere condemned alleged plans by Raila Odinga to hold a parallel Jamhuri Day event on December 12.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, November 30, Mwakwere termed the idea selfish and warned perpetrators against sabotaging the peace in the country.
He claimed that proceeding with the plan would take Kenya a few strides back after it made tremendous progress following the peaceful conclusion of the general election.
“What will he do next, swear himself as the president? He will take us back to lawlessness because we gain nothing by creating unnecessary tension in the country.
“Ruto is the president now and you cannot reverse that by holding a parallel rally,” Mwakwere remarked.
In addition, the Wiper chairperson warned that Raila risked soiling his reputation as a champion for democracy and a leader who upholds the rule of law.
“He will become a laughing stock nationally and internationally. The best way to do so is by performing the role given to them by the people,” he stated.
Mwakwere reaffirmed that Wiper will not be part of the parallel event and asked party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to distance himself from the event.
Some of the Azimio-affiliated leaders who attended the parliamentary group shared his sentiments, stating that it would cause political instability.
Earlier, reports alleged that Azimio was considering organising parallel Jamhuri Day celebrations. Insiders claimed this was one way of keeping Ruto’s government in check.
Azimio postponed planned nationwide demonstrations after considering complaints raised by parents whose candidates are sitting national exams.
Ruto had warned the opposition against disrupting the candidates and slowing the economy.
However, sources closer to the presidency alleged that Ruto reached out to former President Uhuru Kenyatta to broker a peace deal with Raila. Uhuru reportedly convinced Raila to suspend the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Wiper’s Kalonzo caused political heads to turn when he attended the Mashujaa day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, honouring an invitation by Ruto.
Kalonzo, despite attending the ceremony, reiterated that he was loyal to Raila. He even rejected a job offer from Ruto.
Meanwhile, this is the second time Raila may consider running parallel operations with the government. In December 2017, he announced that he would conduct a parallel event on Jamhuri day at a secret election, where he would swear himself in as the people’s president.
However, the plan was aborted. Nonetheless, on January 30, 2018, the former Prime Minister took the oath of office with the backing of lawyer Miguna Miguna.
In March 2022, Raila had a handshake with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta, agreeing to work together. The deal saw Ruto edged out of government and use the handshake as a launchpad for his State House bid.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE