Stand-off looms as BBI Mombasa rally changes venue

Stand-off looms ahead of the BBI popularization rally at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa on Saturday.

The rally was meant to be at the Tononoka Grounds but was moved to the Mama Ngina Water front with ODM’s Raila Odinga saying they were seeking bigger, spacious grounds.

On Thursday, Raila had welcomed BBI critics to the meetings saying the report is unstoppable while castigating leaders who were politicizing it by accusing him of hijacking it for political clout.

Now, a section of Jubilee leaders allied to DP William Ruto led Emurua Dikiir MP Johanna Ngeno have asked Jubilee MPs to shun the BBI rallies saying they are only benefiting ODM and Raila Odinga.

Meanwhile, another faction of Ruto-allies led by MP Aisha Jumwa were earlier in the day hounded out of a press conference by a group of youth.

The youths pelted MPs Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), Mohammed Ali (Nyali), Shariff Athman (Lamu East) and nominated Senator Christine Zawadi with stones, bringing the press conference to a sudden stop.

While addressing the media after the incident, the MPs expressed distaste at the attack while vowing to attend the BBI meetings at all costs.

“They want us not to go yo Wild Waters or Tononoka tomorrow! We will be there!” Jumwa said.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen on Friday said he was aware of a plan to deny BBI-critics seats at the rallies or heckle them if they attempted to address crowds.

He, however, vowed to attend the rally, adding that if humiliating him and other leaders would help unite the county then it was a welcome challenge.