Africa-Press – Kenya. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has dismissed plans by sections of the opposition to organise demonstrations, saying the government has no time for what she termed as “political theatrics.”
Speaking on Monday in Kisumu, Wanga said there was no clear agenda behind the proposed protests, insisting that leaders allied are focused on service delivery and development.
“There is no clear plan or agenda. We hear they want to organise demonstrations, but we are not boarding that train. We are working,” Wanga said.
She added that the country’s youth are more concerned with earning a living than engaging in political protests.
“Kenyans, especially the youth, are busy hustling, opening businesses and trying to improve their lives. That is where the focus should be,” she said.
Wanga’s remarks come amid renewed calls by opposition figures for street protests over governance and economic issues.
Cooperative CS Wycliffe Oparanya, who was also present, echoed Wanga’s sentiments, saying the opposition lacks the political capacity to mobilise meaningful demonstrations.
“ODM is the party that understands demonstrations. We know how maandamano works. Those other groups do not,” Oparanya said.
The leaders urged Kenyans to remain calm and support development initiatives, saying political stability is critical for economic growth.
ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga also dismissed threats of demonstrations by opposition leaders, saying those calling for protests lack experience and should “come and learn” what real mass action entails.
Oburu said his region has a long history of political activism and street protests, adding that ODM leaders understand demonstrations better than those currently issuing threats.
“I hear some people are planning to demonstrate. They should come and learn from us. We will teach them what maandamano is,” Oburu said.
He added that Nyanza has historically been at the centre of protest politics, insisting that those now threatening mass action do not understand what demonstrations involve.
“In this region, we were known for maandamano. Let them come to us first so we can teach them what demonstrations really mean. They do not know what maandamano is,” he said.
Oburu’s remarks come amid rising political tension after opposition leaders raised concerns over alleged disruptions and violence at their political rallies and threatened nationwide protests if authorities fail to act.
On Friday, opposition leaders led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua submitted complaints to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, citing recent incidents at political gatherings, including in Othaya.
“We have submitted details to the Inspector General to take action. Should no action be taken, we will urge Kenyans to come out,” Gachagua said during a press briefing in Nairobi.
He added that the opposition plans to return to Othaya on Sunday and called for adequate security during political events.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also expressed concern over what he described as increasing disruptions at opposition rallies, warning that failure to address the incidents could trigger mass action.
“If a national leader is touched, we will consider a call for mass action. It is important that such incidents are addressed promptly,” Musyoka said
