Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri has directed the blame for the inclusion of Raila Odinga’s allies in President William Ruto’s cabinet towards the Mt Kenya region, rather than Ruto himself. This statement comes amid growing political tension and public discourse surrounding the appointments of ODM deputy party leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, ODM chairman John Mbadi, and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi into key government positions.
Ruto Not to Blame
Kiunjuri’s remarks are significant as they attempt to absolve President Ruto from responsibility for the contentious appointments. According to Kiunjuri, the initiative to include Raila’s allies in the cabinet was driven by the Mt Kenya region, not by Ruto. “It is not Ruto who looked for Raila. It is us Mt Kenya who have looked for Raila. You cannot be at a table with your plate and start asking for those held by others for your selfish gain. We should not blame President Ruto. When you get into a hole, you stop digging,” Kiunjuri asserted. This statement suggests that regional leaders from Mt Kenya may have sought alliances with Raila’s camp for their political benefit.
Allegations of Funded Protests
In addition to addressing the cabinet appointments, Kiunjuri raised serious allegations regarding recent Gen Z-led protests. He claimed that these protests were infiltrated by approximately 10,000 goons, funded by undisclosed individuals with the intention of overthrowing the government. Kiunjuri further accused certain sitting MPs, with the assistance of others not currently in power, of funding another 20,000 individuals to instigate chaos during these demonstrations.
“The day parliament was attacked, four politicians from our region brought 20,000 protesters. The office that offered the funding is known by the government. A pig fries itself with its fat. They were our people and some have already recorded statements,” he revealed. Kiunjuri’s allegations suggest a well-orchestrated plan to disrupt the government and paint the protests in a violent and negative light.
Opposition’s Involvement
Moreover, Kiunjuri implicated leaders from the opposition in the unrest. He claimed that two leaders from Raila’s camp brought an additional 10,000 suspected goons to join the protests. “Two leaders from the opposition also brought 10,000 suspected goons to protest,” he stated. These accusations point to a broader conspiracy involving both sides of the political divide, aiming to destabilize the government.
Political Implications
Kiunjuri’s statements have sparked a flurry of reactions from various political quarters. Supporters of President Ruto have echoed Kiunjuri’s sentiments, arguing that the Mt Kenya region’s leaders should be held accountable for the political decisions that have led to Raila’s allies joining the cabinet. On the other hand, opposition leaders and their supporters have dismissed Kiunjuri’s claims as baseless and politically motivated.
The allegations of funded protests and the involvement of opposition leaders add a layer of complexity to the already volatile political landscape in Kenya. If substantiated, these claims could lead to significant repercussions for the implicated individuals and potentially destabilize the current administration.
Conclusion
As the political climate in Kenya continues to heat up, Kiunjuri’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the intricate power plays and alliances shaping the nation’s governance. The blame-shifting and allegations of funded unrest underscore the deep-seated divisions and the high stakes involved in Kenya’s political arena. Only time will reveal the full impact of these developments on the country’s political stability and governance.
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