Call off mass action, UDA officials in Nyanza urge Raila

"These are things that will continue to affect our economy and even scare away investors."

In Summary

• The officials said demos never end well for most participants and families have in the past lost their loved ones during such processes.

• Led by UDA regional coordinator Farez Odira, they said times have changed and such actions push the country back.

UDA grassroot party official's led by Nyaza regional coordinator Farez Odira addressing the Media in Kisumu on Saturday, March 18.
UDA grassroot party official's led by Nyaza regional coordinator Farez Odira addressing the Media in Kisumu on Saturday, March 18.
Image: FAITH MATETE

UDA grassroot party leaders in Nyanza have called on Azimio leader Raila Odinga to call off Monday's mass action saying Kenyans are tired.

The officials said demos never end well for most participants and families have in the past lost their loved ones during such processes.

The officials are drawn from Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya.

Led by UDA regional coordinator Farez Odira, they said times have changed and such actions push the country back.

"There won't be any development within the country with such demos, these are things that will continue to affect our economy and even scare away investors," Odira said, giving an example of the Kisumu incident.

"We saw what happened in Kisumu, the vehicles that were pelted with stones, what kind of demonstration was that? he asked.

"Let us all focus, if Raila has an issue we have Parliament, let him present them there so that they can be handled."

Kisumu county coordinator Luke Kirindo said members of the Luo community are tired of running on the streets year in year out.

"What we want is jobs and we see our people already getting them within the government," he said.

Kirindo added that if Raila wants to go on the streets, he should have members of his family on the frontline and not other people's children.

"We have seen what is happening even those who were previously in ODM were given jobs. If Raila wants handshake let him talk it out with the President and not involve other people's children."

Odek Odek, the UDA coordinator in Homa Bay County said they are tired of demos after every election cycle.

"The demonstrations have never ended well, people have always been killed in such, people have lost families due to demonstrations. It's time that as the people of Luo nation, we say enough is enough," Odek said.

Fredrick Otieno, the UDA coordinator in Migori County said that the people should not allow themselves be taken into circles by Raila.

He said the country needs peace for businesses, students amongst other people and this should not be allowed to be compromised by anyone.

"This kind of demos will cost our country economically and the government should remain stern against the 'economic bandits'," Otieno said.

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