Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has warned against what he described as plans to use goons to disrupt the planned Linda Mwananchi activities, saying Kenyans have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Speaking on Wednesday, Kalonzo said the opposition would continue pushing for constitutionalism, the rule of law and good governance as it works to build a broader and united opposition.
He was speaking after chairing the Joint Azimio Council and National Executive Council meeting, where opposition leaders discussed efforts to strengthen their political movement.
Kalonzo claimed that the government was planning to deploy goons to disrupt the Linda Mwananchi activities scheduled for Sunday.
“We are aware of plans by the Ruto regime to deploy goons to disrupt Linda Mwananchi this Sunday, and we condemn this unreservedly,” Kalonzo said.
He said every Kenyan had a constitutional right to assemble, associate and express themselves peacefully, adding that the opposition would defend those rights.
The Wiper leader also condemned what he described as the harassment and intimidation of Burundian nationals in Kenya.
Kalonzo said Burundians living in Kenya were members of the East African Community and deserved dignity and respect.
“Our brothers and sisters from Burundi are part of the East African Community, and they deserve dignity, not suspicion,” he said.
He called on Kenya to remain a good neighbour and uphold the spirit of East African integration.
Kalonzo linked the two issues to what he described as the broader need to restore constitutionalism and protect individual rights.
He said the opposition’s commitment to constitutionalism should apply to everyone within Kenya’s borders, regardless of nationality or political affiliation.
“Restoring Kenya to constitutionalism means restoring dignity to everyone within her borders. That is the nation we are building,” he said.
Kalonzo further said Kenya was headed in the wrong direction and that opposition leaders had a responsibility to work together to change course.
He said the Joint Azimio Council and NEC meeting was part of efforts to build a stronger and united opposition committed to restoring constitutionalism, the rule of law and good governance.
The Wiper leader also warned against what he termed “goonism”, saying it should not become the new normal in Kenya.
He maintained that political differences should be handled within the constitutional framework and that citizens should be allowed to exercise their rights peacefully.
