Kalonzo-led opposition accuses Gov't of laxity in Ebola preparedness

Opposition leaders have accused the government of negligence and of lacking a solid strategy to prevent the Ebola virus from entering the country.

During his tour of Mombasa, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition leaders have called on the United States and other development partners to ensure that funds provided to Kenya are properly utilised for the benefit of Kenyans.

The leaders who were on the second day of their tour of Mombasa, visiting Junda and Shanzu in Kisauni Constituency, have also criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of failing to put in place strategies to address climate change as the country marked national Mazingira Day.

“Alitoka upande wa DRC, akaingia upande wa Uganda, akaingia kutoka uwanja wa ndege wa Entebbe, akaja Nairobi. Wale ambao wanachunguza, ambao wangepima hali ya joto kuangalia kama anafanya bleeding, badala ya kufanya kazi yao, wanafuata amri ya Duale kuachilia yeyote ambaye anaingia huku,” said Kalonzo.

Kalonzo called development partners, including the United States, to closely monitor how funds are utilised, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of corruption and misappropriation of funds.

“Wajue wawekezaji, hiyo pesa wafuate. Nilimwambia juzi balozi wa Marekani, hizo pesa ambazo anapatia idara ya afya, wazifuatilie kikamilifu, zisije tu, one billion shillings zinaingizwa kwa mfuko ya mtu na kuwacha wananchi wanalala hoi,” Kalonzo noted.

As the country marked national Mazingira Day, the opposition criticised the government, disputing claims that significant progress has been made in tree planting and environmental conservation.

The leaders alleged that the initiative has been plagued by corruption, while other key sectors of the economy continue to face challenges.

“Toka wakati huo nilipokataa kuweka sahihi mambo ya upanzi wa miti bilioni 15, iliisha. Sasa leo ndio anatuambia eti wamepanda 5.3 million trees. Wapi huyu huyu wa kutuambia tukunywe maziwa ya nyati?” DP Party Leader Justin Muturi stated.

Kalonzo added: “Wameweka mikakati ya aina gani kuhakikisha wamama hapa hawatapatwa na mafuriko hapa, na wanasema wamepanda miti?”

Deputy Wiper Party Leader Mohammed Ali on his part said, “Watu wa Mombasa hawana barabara. Watu wa Mombasa hawana hospitali, na ile moja iko, dawa hakuna, vifaa hakuna, watu wanakufa.”

Meanwhile, in Garissa, People's Renaissance Movement (PM) party leader Caleb Amisi called on the opposition to unite behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto in the upcoming General Election.

“People will have to put down their ambition and, for the sake of the nation, they have to select one presidential candidate to send William Ruto home, and my party is going to lead by example,” said Amisi.