Legislators call for tolerance during campaigns

Two legislators have urged Kenyans to tolerate all aspirants despite their political divide and avoid causing chaos during political campaigns.

Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege and Matungulu MP Stephen Mule have condemned hired goons who are disrupting some aspirants' political rallies.

Speaking in Murang’a on Friday, the two MPs accused some politicians of hiring people to disrupt and cause mayhem of their opponents’ rallies.

Mule condemned several incidents where some politicians have been booed by residents, saying if one is not a supporter of a particular candidate he can avoid attending his rally.

“There is no need to attend a political rally of an aspirant only to cause chaos. It's better you  avoid attending such rallies because causing chaos may lead to injuries and even loss of lives,” he added.

The lawmaker said every aspirant is allowed by the law to campaign anywhere, adding that residents need to maintain peace and embrace political tolerance.

Chege accused some politicians of fuelling divisions among Kenyans, saying time for campaigns is coming to end and thereafter, residents will still continue interacting as neighbours.

The woman representative who is campaigning for Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga took a swipe at Deputy President William Ruto, saying he was to blame for the divisions in Mt Kenya region.

Chege said the region has never been divided as it is now, with people rising against one another due to political differences.

“We even have our leaders who have been insulting the President who is the kingpin of the region which is really sad,” she said.

She, however, said the leaders who have been supporting Uhuru have been striving to seal the cracks and unite the people for them to speak in one voice.

“In three weeks’ time, the President shall be leaving office and we should ask ourselves where we shall be left as a region,” she said.

Chege added that she is hopeful that the residents shall eventually embrace Raila and vote for his presidency in next month's polls. 

“I am confident Odinga will be our next president, and based on the assessment we have done in various parts of the country, he is enjoying massive support from the people,” she said. 

The lawmaker also said the opinion polls released recently indicating that Raila is on the lead are true, slamming those who are disputing them.

“Those doubting the polls should face the reality and know this is what will happen on August 9 as that will be the defining moment," she said. 

(edited by Amol Awuor)