- The Azimio Chief has held rallies in Jacaranda and Kamukunji in Nairobi County.
- But even as NCIC calls for the suspension of all political activities, the Azimio brigades have announced further rallies.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission on Thursday waded into Azimio’s planned activities saying it is not good for the economy of a country that is struggling.
NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia the planned activities are likely to disrupt peace and cohesion.
“Raila is one leader who is most critical in terms of taking the country into elections mode. He should cease with rallies and plans for demonstrations,” Kobia said.
The Azimio brigade led by Odinga has been meeting with his supporters over what he claims to be evidence of how he was rigged out in the August 2022 general election.
Odinga claims a whistleblower who works with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission had provided them with proof of how he was rigged out.
In the evidence, the opposition chief claims to have won by over 8 million votes while Ruto had 5.9 million votes.
The Azimio Chief has held rallies in Jacaranda and Kamukunji in Nairobi County.
But even as NCIC calls for the suspension of all political activities, the Azimio brigades have announced further rallies.
Azimio said more rallies are planned for Kamukunji grounds in Kibra, Nairobi, Mavoko and Machakos next week.
Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi said the rallies dubbed 'People's Baraza' will resume on February 5.
Wandayi said the Sunday rally will be held at the Kamukunji grounds in Kibra.
"We wish to inform our supporters, the general public and all Kenyans who feel for our country that our People’s Baraza is set to continue this week and the weeks that follow.
"On Sunday, 5th February 2023, we will hold a BARAZA at the Kamukunji grounds in Kibra Constituency. This will be followed by another Baraza on Friday, 10th February 2023, this time in Mavoko, Machakos County," he said.
He appealed to public members to attend the barazas and deliberate on the country's critical challenges.
Part of what will be discussed will include the high cost of living and the IEBC.
Wandayi said the deliberations on recent developments relating to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission would help fix the future of Kenya before it is too late.
"The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is down and out, destroyed by Wafula Chebukati. But the government wants to populate it with more Wafula Chebukatis of its own choice."
"The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is down and out, destroyed by Wafula Chebukati. But the government wants to populate it with more Wafula Chebukatis of its own choice."
"Kenyans will recall that our electoral body has taken this country to war in the past. We survived by a whisker. The IEBC, with the support of the UDA regime, is keen to take us to war again. We have to find a way of stopping them," Wandayi added.
NCIC has however linked some of the ongoing Azimio activities to the re-emergence of political incitements and hate speech.
“The Commission through the social media investigations team flagged 10 hate speech and 20 misinformation cases compared to three cases in November and December 2022. This is an indication that hate speech and ethnic contempt is as a result of recent political rallies,” Kobia said.
Kobia said leaders who speak at political rallies will be held personally responsible for their utterances.
“This is the stance which the commission has taken and will execute without fear or favour.”
The chair said even though Article 33 of the constitution of Kenya 2010 gives every person a right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom to seek, receive or impart information or ideas; freedom of artistic creativity; and academic freedom and freedom of scientific research, there are boundaries.
Kobia said the right to freedom of expression does not extend to propaganda for war; incitement to violence; hate speech; or advocacy of hatred.
Kobia said the planned activities risk plunging the country which is struggling amid challenges such as drought.
“We are all aware of tough economic times coupled with the prolonged drought that has led to the loss of livelihood as well as property in many parts of the country,” Kobia said adding that Kenyans are demanding for a conducive environment to rebuild their livelihood.
Kobia said Azimio’s planned activities risk ruining the otherwise good relations with the international community owing to political stability and cohesiveness.
He said the economic dividends and special place in the community of nations derived should not be taken for granted.
The chair said the fact that Kenya is an economic powerhouse in the region as a result of the country’s political stability must be jealously guarded because if destroyed, it will take a long time to recover.
Kobia said the commission with other law enforcement agencies is closely monitoring to ensure that Kenyans are not divided along ethnic and political beliefs.