Stick to your lane, CORD MPs tell Aden Duale

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) legislators have launched a scathing attack on National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, demanding that he  desists from attacking Opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking in Nyamira during a rally in support of Kitutu Masaba MP Timothy Bosire who was arrested over hate speech, Kilifi Women Representative Aisha Jumwa and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed told Duale to stick to his lane and deal with his political peers instead of issuing disrespectful remarks directed at Raila Odinga.

Jumwa said: “Duale should learn to play in his league and not pick battles with people who are beyond him. He needs to learn to respect CORD leader Raila Odinga and desist from issuing insulting remarks.”

On his part, Junet said that Duale together with Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria are known for propagating hate, adding that it was hypocritical for the Garissa MP to castigate them for holding rallies.

“I heard Duale accusinf Raila of holding rallies for hate mongers in their home turfs. I am left wondering who between Duale, Kuria and us is the hate monger?” questioned Junet.

Duale had on Saturday accused Raila of allegedly celebrating hate mongers by holding rallies in the home regions of the CORD legislators that were detained over hate speech two weeks ago.

Addressing mourners at the burial of Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua’s mother in Tetu, Duale said: “I have seen leaders who are glorifying hate mongers by holding rallies in their regions. This shows the difference between his (Raila’s) leadership and that of President Uhuru Kenyatta who is keen to unite the country.”

Duale also called on Jubilee legislators to desist from making inflammatory remarks that could lead to violence in Kenya.

The CORD legislators further accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery of unfairly targeting them and ordering for their arrest instead of ensuring security is maintained in the country.

Nkaissery has defended himself over the reports saying he does not have the powers to arrest anyone.

He however noted that the government would not sit back as political leaders spew hate saying the arrest of the eight legislators was warranted and signified the government’s commitment to fight hate speech.

@benjaminwafula