Siaya Senator James Orengo has alleged that three hundred military officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have been deployed to Kisumu by the Jubilee administration to supervise the upcoming repeat Presidential Election.
He claimed reliable sources have informed him that the officers are from Lanet barracks.
[caption caption="Senator Orengo"]
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Speaking in Bondo on Friday, Orengo stated: “You [President Uhuru Kenyatta] cannot militarize elections. It’s on the ballot, not the bullet. Any election in which the military participates is not an election.”
He accused the President of “killing innocent citizens” just because they decided to take part in protests that are protected by the Constitution. He further warned that should police brutality continue, they have an alternative.
“Once the government uses the military, people can stand and take any action provided by the Constitution. The Constitution does not allow Uhuru to conduct elections the way he wants,” Orengo noted.
He further criticised the international community for declining to listen to concerns raised by Kenyans about the integrity of the election.
“We’re keen to hear from the US Ambassador and the UK’s High Commissioner. Former IEBC commissioner Roselyn Akombe stated that the environment is not conducive for a free and fair election,” he stated, adding that Akombe had conducted polls in difficult places across the world.
Orengo spoke during a memorial service for three NASA supporters who were killed by police during Anti-IEBC demonstrations in Bondo.
“Kenyatta should know that he can’t impose a dictatorship on the people. Moi detained Raila for 10 years, but he is retired, while Odinga is still there,” he reminisced, adding that Raila played a key role in ensuring former President Mwai Kibaki led Kenya despite being in a wheelchair.
Orengo warned that he would take legal action against President Uhuru if he dares touch Raila. Mr Odinga lamented that it was unfortunate that when the rest of the country was marking Mashujaa Day, others were burying their loved ones.
[caption caption="Siaya Senator James Orengo"]
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