Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Monday made controversial remarks on the deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to Laikipia county.
While addressing a press conference at Bomas of Kenya on Monday, Mr Odinga termed the move by the government as an attempt to turn the country into a military state.
According to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, the Jubilee government had failed in their duty of running the country and should hand over to leaders who have a good agenda for the country.
"Jubilee needs to be taught how to run a civilian government. They cannot turn this country into a military state. This country is not Burundi, Uganda or Ethiopia. If you cannot govern, just give way,” Odinga stated.
The Opposition leader further accused the government of creating a crisis in Laikipia and condemned the excessive use of force in the operation where police were accused of shooting and killing hundreds of cows.
"Instead of addressing the drought and making plans for people to access water in these ranches, Jubilee has created a crisis. Who in his right senses shoots at cows?" Odinga Lamented.
At the same time, Maasai ODM leaders, in a statement read by Kajiado Central Member of Parliament (MP) Memusi Kanchori, indicated that they wanted senior police officers sacked for failing in their obligations.
“We call for the withdrawal of police officers in Laikipia and the sacking of the head of the Intelligence, the OCPD, and the Administration Police Commandant in Laikipia, as well as compensation of those displaced,” the statement read in part.
Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel on his part indicated that they were suffering from drought and now KDF had knocked out over 20,000 herds of cattle pushing them into more trouble.
The comments by the Opposition Leader and the Maasai legislators come amidst a series of violence in Laikipia region.
