Image: Alice Waithera
Former Murang’a governor Mwangi wa Iria has urged President William Ruto to quell the disagreements between the opposition and the government before they degenerate into more chaos.
Wa Iria said failure to ‘tame the madness’ being experienced during the protests scheduled by Azimio La Umoja on every Monday and Thursday could lead to a repeat of the 2007 post elections violence.
He noted that the destruction experienced on Monday when properties were damaged by protesters in various parts of the country is akin to the destruction experienced 16 years ago when supporters of Raila clashed with supporters of the then President Mwai Kibaki.
The former governor who is also the leader of Usawa Kwa Wote party said the international community will have to intervene should reconciliation fail.
Continued destruction, he added, may resort in some leaders being taken to the International Criminal Court (ICC), especially if the chaos is determined to have been pre-planned.
“I know the international community is watching and probably recording speeches being made and meetings being held, whether in thanksgiving ceremonies, churches or protests and putting them together as evidence.”
“I am raising a red flag and telling the President that he is no longer the hustler that he was. He’s now the head of state and it’s his role to bring people together," he said.
He said it is time the President found ways of stopping the chaos or risk having his leadership tarnished saying lack of inclusivity can lead the country on a dangerous path.
He wondered how leaders have forgotten the experience the country went through in 2007 that led to the deaths and displacement of thousands of Kenyans.
Image: Alice Waithera
“This nation has gone through the worst in the past yet leaders are beating drums of war. All top leaders have been mentioned in this chaos and have said there’s no room for negotiations. What are we as citizens supposed to do? who should we loop up to for salvation?” he wondered.
He said the country is at crossfire as security agents use water cannons and teargas against protesters armed with stones.
“Am worried by how forgetful we have come to this point at such a short time and have forgotten the journey we have traveled from 2007.”
"It is the invasion into the Northlands City that is affiliated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila’s Spectre East Africa that ‘broke the carmel’s back," he said.
Wa Iria underscored the need for the Mt. Kenya region to resolve internal differences in a manner that does not violate individuals’ rights.
“You can’t burn down Kenyatta’s farm because you hate him. You can’t demolish a hustler’s kiosk because you don’t like them. Those are people ganging up as criminals to cause instability within the community and we must sober up."
He said he was of the reports that a church and mosque had been set on fire in Kibra constituency.
He challenged the clergy to come out strongly and condemn the recent activities that have seen numerous people get injured and incur losses.
“Is the clergy so disintegrated that they can’t come together and say enough is enough” What are we fearing? As a country, we’re in trouble. As leaders who have gone to the Hague, Ruto and Uhuru should not let anybody drag them back there.”
“Some leaders believe they have to cause chaos to become popular. You will go to ICC and not come back. You will rot in jail”.