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Raila swearing to go on, Nasa MPs maintain

By WINNIE ATIENO January 24th, 2018 2 min read

Plans to swear in Nasa leader Raila Odinga and his running-mate Kalonzo Musyoka at Uhuru Park in Nairobi will go on as scheduled, Nasa MPs have said.

This is despite Uhuru Park grounds, where the ceremony is scheduled to be held, being closed for renovation.

The Nairobi County government published a notice in the local dailies on Wednesday, announcing that the park is scheduled to undergo improvements to enhance its usefulness to the visitors.

But Nasa MPs have responded with claims that Jubilee Party officials are scared of the swearing in plans.

“The plans are at an advanced stage and I want to announce to our supporters that swearing in will take place. In terms of venue, we have a committee that is handling the matter. But as far as we are concerned the venue is Uhuru Park,” said Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa.

Speaking during the closure of three days Public Accounts Committee, Public Investment Committee and Special Funds Account induction retreat at Whitesands Beach Hotel in Mombasa, Mr Wamalwa said Nasa expects more than 10,000 supporters to attend the ceremony.

MEDICAL CAMP

“The Nairobi Business Community can find another venue like Uhuru Gardens, Muranga or change to another date. People have started booking buses in readiness for the ceremony,” he added.

However, Jubilee MPs urged the police to ensure law, order and peace is maintained in Nairobi on January 30 to avoid any clashes.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro said Nairobi Business Community members and some politicians had booked Uhuru Park for a free medical camp targeting street families.

“These are plans we had since December last year because we care for street families. There will be no swearing in because Kenya has moved on from politics. We call upon all stakeholders including the opposition to join hands in building the nation,” said Mr Nyoro.

He said they had booked the venue and even paid Sh250, 000 to the county government.

Mr Nyoro said more than 5000 people are expected to attend the free medical camp where their will also be entertainment and free food.

RENOVATIONS

“Booking of public grounds has its own rules, first come first serve. I am surprised that Nairobi City County is purposely renovating the venue just the date we had booked to conduct the camp. We want the county inspectorate and police to protect us during our medical camp,” said Mr Nyoro.

He urged Nasa leaders to book another venue either in Kisumu or Mombasa for their event.

“During weekends most of the grounds are usually busy with church activities like crusades. If they are lucky they will get another venue but Uhuru Park is booked for our medical camp targeting street families,” he added.

While Bumula MP Moses Wekesa Mabonga appealed to opposition leader and President Uhuru Kenyatta to engage in dialogue, Shinyalu MP Justus Kizito, insisted that Mr Odinga will be sworn in.

“No dialogue. Time has lapsed. Jubilee is scared that is why you are hearing issues of renovation or business community. But let them know that a venue is not important. What is important is the will to swear in Mr Odinga as the president,” said Mr Kizito.