ODM accuses Jubilee of planning anti-Raila protests in Mumias

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has blamed Jubilee for anti-Raila Odinga protests that were held at Shibale in Mumias on Friday.

Addressing a rally at Shianda minutes after the protests, Nairobi ODM chair George Aladwa blamed suspended ODM national youth leader Rashid Mohamed for the chaos saying he was under instructions from Jubilee to disrupt Odinga’s tour of Kakamega.

“I want to warn Rashid to desist from using the youth to cause chaos. If he is man enough he should come to the streets so that we can face-off,” said the furious Aladwa.

Aladwa’s sentiments were echoed by SONU chair and Embakasi East parliamentary aspirant Babu Owino.

Babu said it was preposterous for Rashid to bribe the youth to disrupt ODM’s tour of the region adding that his plan would not succeed.

Nominated Senator Daisy Nyongesa said that the protesting youth had been paid by Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, who is affiliated to Jubilee, to block roads and disrupt Odinga’s tour of the region.

She called on the youth to resist attempts by politicians to use them for their own selfish gains.

“While you are out there putting your life in danger in the name of holding a protest, the person who paid you is in a driving a Land Cruiser V8 and living in opulence,” she said.

“The youth from this region should be wise and resist attempts to be used by politicians and instead focus on things that would better their lives.”

The protesters chanted anti-Raila slogans calling him to pay the money he owes Mumias Sugar Company.

ODM supporters, armed shafts pursued the protesters chanting them off the streets. Police had to lob teargas to disperse the protesters who had by then blocked the roads.

The volatility of the situation forced Odinga to use a chopper to connect from Matungu where he had held a meeting with ODM delegates to Shianda for a rally.