Naivasha Member of Parliament, Jayne Kihara, on Saturday, March 18, dared former President Uhuru Kenyatta to declare his stance on planned Azimio protests.
Speaking at Kianyaga High School in Kirinyaga County, during Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's homecoming, Kihara pressured Uhuru to clarify his involvement in the mass action calls.
She, however, reminded the former President of the implications of advocating for mass action following his ordeal at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, Netherlands.
"We must tell Uhuru that if he is not in this part of these maandamanos, he should come out. We have heard him say that Raila is still his leader and his President," Kihara stated.
"So what we are saying is that our former President, if you have a hand in these protests (maandamanos) come out! Come out and talk!" she insisted.
On the other hand, John Methu, Nyandarua Senator, implored Gachagua to allow United Democratic Alliance (UDA) legislators to counter Azimio rallies.
"You should allow us one day to engage with Azimio legislators and debunk their push for nationwide protests," Methu stated.
"If they speak about Raila only, that will be okay. If they do not recognise you as the deputy president, then the meeting will end," the MP added in what the opposition may perceive as threats to their freedom of association and right to protest.
Azimio chief, Raila Odinga, already wrote to the police, asking them to provide security during the demonstrations. Moreover, the clamour to counter his rally was further advanced by UDA secretary general, Cleophas Malala, who also vowed to lead protestors to storm Raila's Karen home.
Malala spoke at Machakos University amphitheatre hall on Saturday, March 18, while addressing UDA delegates.
Meanwhile, at Gachagua's event at Kianyaga High School, UDA leaders dismissed Raila's calls to reopen the servers.
They argued that the August 2022 General Elections met all the standards approved by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and other international observers.
Their sentiments came hours after the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), led by Francis Atwoli, called President William Ruto to extend an olive branch to Raila.
COTU insisted that a truce would solve the standoff between the government and the opposition.
“We appeal to both parties to engage in active dialogue and find a long-lasting solution that will promote economic development in the country," COTU deputy secretary general, Benson Okwaro stated.
