Orange Democratic Movement Secretary-General Ababu Namwamba tore into the homecoming rallies spearheaded by Coalition for Reforms and Democracy leader Raila Odinga for MPs arrested a fortnight ago over inflammatory speeches.
Speaking after attending a church service at St Stephen’s ACK in Busia on Sunday, Mr Namwamba said he would neither support nor participate in activities that seem to promote division.
The prayers, held in Busia and Kilifi counties for woman representatives – Florence Mutua and Aisha Jumwa – who were arrested and charged in court over hate speech, were attended by Mr Odinga and other top party officials.
The Budalang’i MP said he was in consultations on whether to quit his position in ODM and asked its leadership to address the issues raised by MPs from western Kenya.
Funyula MP Paul Otuoma on Saturday announced his resignation as the party vice-chairman.
“The party leadership is aware of our concerns,” said Mr Namwamba. “We laid out our grievances and we know we will reach a solution.
“I will support the full force of law to be applied on anyone found guilty of hate speech.
“I will not support or involve myself in activities that may cast us as supporting those making inciting statements.”
He said the country needed political leaders to shelve their differences and address increased cases of hate speech, because such sentiments could plunge it into violence as they did in 2008.
-nation.co.ke
