Chaos and war of words over the Monday planned protests by Azimio dominated the thanksgiving party for Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule in Rabai.
It was a show of might with those in attendance left watching the unfolding scenario as both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio leaders undressed each other in public over the Monday protests called by Azimio leaders led by its leader Raila Odinga.
While Kenya Kwanza leaders downplayed the said demons tomorrow, Azimio leaders supported the protests decrying high prices of basic commodities and the tough economic times affecting Kenyans.
As the drama unfolded and push and pull took centre stage, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro threw the spanner to the people of Kilifi, therefore remaining non-commital on the debate.
It all started when Rabai MP Kenga Mupe a Kenya Kwanza legislator said that those advocating for the protests should instead come up with debates in parliament to address the escalating prices of commodities instead of coming back to Wananchi who elected them to go and represent them in parliament.
“You were elected to go and represent the people and such deliberations like the high price of basic commodities is something you ought to fight in Parliament and not on the streets.
He intact dared the leaders to take their children upfront in demos instead of yapping on public rallies.
“Take your children to the streets on Monday and not other people’s children while your children are abroad,” he said.
His statement welcomed the wrath of Azimio leaders led by Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi who said that Mr Mupe was against reality on the ground about the current state of ordinary Kenyans.
“People are suffering and yet you are here trying to defend a failed regime. We shall continue with the demonstrations because that is the call of many struggling Kenyans. We can’t sit down and watch our country going down the drain,” she said.
Ms Mnyazi s sentiments were echoed by Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga, Kaloleni MP Paul Katana and Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Meetup. They all said that they will lead their people to protest the rising high cost of basic needs of Kenyans.
“Demos are in our constitution. We are going to the streets to send a clear message that we are tired and things should change with immediate effect,” said Mr Chonga.
However, when she rose to speak, Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action CS Aisha Jumwa downplayed the call for a demonstration, asking the leaders to forfeit their plans since the government has addressed some of the problems affecting the country at the moment.
The CS added more salt to the injury when she termed the leaders present that they were out to cheat on Mr Odinga but they are not that loyal.
“We know you are doing this to please “Baba” and what I know is that you will not be anywhere near those demos. You are lying to the local wananchi and then board choppers and planes while leaving our people at the mercy of troubles,” she said.
Ms Jumwa dared them to carry their families with them to the protests in Nairobi as a show of support for their call.
Kwale and Taita Taveta deputies said they will not participate in the demos and said they would continue with work as usual on Monday.
It was the same sentiment shared by Bungoma and Muranga deputies who said that they will continue to work as normal.
However, Mombasa deputy governor Francis Thoya supported the Monday demonstration.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and the deputy said it is the prerogative of Kenyans themselves to choose their constitutional rights.
“I am an Azimio leader and everyone knows how life is at the moment. However it’s not my decision to say this and that but the people themselves have the right to express themselves,” he said
