- The team regretted the 'preferential treatment' being accorded to Azimio by the State.
- The Kenya Kwanza brigade nonetheless affirmed its readiness for the elections slated for next week, Tuesday.
Image: DPPS
Kenya Kwanza principals have warned that they will hold their last campaign rally in Nairobi’s Central Business District if authorities deny them access to Nyayo National Stadium.
ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi and his Ford Kenya counterpart Moses Wetan’gula said their rally in the city on Saturday will proceed as planned, the venue of the event notwithstanding
"We want to give them notice that if they do not open that stadium, we are going to hold our rally right at the junction of Kenyatta Avenue and Moi avenue," Wetang’ula said.
The Ford Kenya party leader regretted the 'preferential treatment' being accorded to their Azimio la Umoja opponents by the State.
In a statement, the Kenya Kwanza brigade nonetheless affirmed its readiness for the elections slated for next week, Tuesday.
At the same time, Mudavadi called on the Ministry of Energy Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma and his ICT counterpart Joe Mucheru to ensure the country has enough fuel for easy movement and uninterrupted internet services for timely transmission of results, respectively.
“Please, let the ministry of Energy make sure this country has enough fuel to allow people to travel to the polling stations. ICT Minister, do not drop the Internet. We want the results in real-time,” he said.
The William Ruto-led UDA party has already written to Sports Kenya demanding immediate revocation of the letter cancelling the Stadium's permit that had been issued to the outfit.
"Take notice that our instructions are to demand which we hereby do, the immediate withdrawal/revocation/cancellation of the illegal letter by yourself dated July 20, 2022," the letter reads.
Sports Kenya director General Pius Meto in a letter to UDA read: "We regret to inform you that due to peace concert scheduled to take place at both Moi International Sports Center- Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium between August 5 to 7 2022. The facility will not be available for their use."
Wetangula said any plans to try and stop their meeting will not succeed and urged the police to provide security during the event.
"We are going to give them a notice. The law does not require them to give permission, they will be there to ensure the property is protected," he stated.
He said despite booking and paying for the facility, the government was hell-bent on blocking them.
Azimio presidential candidate, Raila Odinga will hold his final rally at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Raila had initially indicated that he would hold his final rally at the Nyayo National Stadium.
On Sunday, UDA flagbearer William Ruto was forced to campaign on the roadside in Kakamega County after his team was denied entry into the historic Bukhungu Stadium.
"Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, now eyeing the governor seat, said the county had resorted to what he termed "a cat and mouse game" when they sought a permit for the venue.
And on Saturday, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali was roughed up and beaten by police when he visited Bukhungu Stadium to inspect the venue ahead of the Sunday event.
The MP was manhandled by police as they escorted him to their vehicle.