•Leaders differ on planned meetings by Raila to checkmate Ruto.
Image: SCREENGRAB
Pokot South MP David Pkosing has dismissed assertions by his party leader John Lonyangapuo that the Kenya Union Party had abandoned Azimio.
The lawmaker, who is the deputy party leader, said the assertions by the former West Pokot governor were his personal view.
“As the Deputy party of KUP, the party is not leaving Azimio any time soon. Whatever the former governor said are his own personal view, which is allowed in accordance with our democratic principles,” the lawmaker told the Star on Tuesday.
He was responding to Lonyangapuo sentiments that the rallies planned by Azimio leader Raila Odinga were “a big threat to the country’s constitutional democracy”.
The former governor also accused Raila of stoking up tension in the country to force a handshake with President William Ruto.
But Pkosing, in what could reveal the high level of interest in the Azimio affiliate parties including Kanu, said the party leaders' take was not the position of the outfit.
On the issue of demos, he said they are aware as party members that Raila has called for public consultations.
“No one has called for demos. My understanding is that H.E Raila Odinga has called for public consultation and public participation on a very important matter of national interest,” Pkosing said.
He said that the meetings cannot amount to a demonstration, adding that there was no crime Azimio has committed by taking the step.
“There is nothing wrong with that. I am supporting it. Public participation is sacrosanct in our constitution. If you want to do an important thing, the constitution makes it mandatory to do public participation. People should not panic,” the MP, who is also chairman of the Public Investments Committee, said.
There were fears several Azimio affiliates would not take part in the planned series of rallies, including the parallel Jamhuri Day fete Raila has organized in Nairobi next Monday.