The National Liberal Party (NLP) has faulted the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for allegedly locking out opposition leaders from the just-concluded Mashujaa Day celebrations held in Kitui County, terming the move as a betrayal of national unity and inclusivity.
Speaking to the press, NLP Party Leader Augustus Kyalo Muli lamented that no invitations were extended to opposition figures from the Lower Eastern region, despite the event being a national occasion meant to unite all Kenyans irrespective of their political affiliations.
“A National Day is not a party day for UDA. It is a day for all Kenyans and leaders. Invites were dished out as if it was a private party,” said Muli.
He accused local UDA coordinators of turning the historic event into a partisan function, saying that such behavior goes against the spirit of multi-party democracy that opposition icons like Raila Odinga fought hard to achieve.
“How will the President get our opinions from this region if other leaders are not allowed to talk to him?” Muli posed. “The President should not be stopped from getting in touch with the local Baba na Mama. We are a poor people — our poverty should not be hidden.”
While acknowledging the visible development projects initiated by President William Ruto’s administration in Kitui, Muli urged the Head of State to fulfill other pending promises made to the people of the region.
At the same time, the NLP leader took issue with the Kitui County Government under Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, condemning what he termed as “inhumane demolitions” of kiosks and stalls along major roads ahead of the celebrations.
“The governor must find a way to restore the destroyed kiosks. Local businessmen and traders are now out of jobs and without shops. You cannot beautify a town by destroying livelihoods,” he said.
Muli called on the county administration to compensate the affected traders and urged President Ruto to listen directly to the cries of the people of Kitui and the wider Lower Eastern region.
“The President should be made aware of their struggles and address them. Our people are suffering silently, and their leaders must be allowed to speak for them,” he added.
Muli concluded by calling on UDA leaders in Ukambani to stop politicizing national functions and instead focus on fostering respect, inclusivity, and unity among all political leaders in the region.
