Karua dimisses Azimio protests link to ethnic tension
By Winnie OnyandoNarc Kenya leader Martha Karua has dismissed the statement made by the chairman of National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Samuel Kobia that Azimio protests are likely to create ethnic tension.
Karua termed the statement as reverse psychology.
Reverse psychology is a technique involving the assertion of a belief or behavior that is opposite to the one desired, with the expectation that this approach will encourage the subject of the persuasion to do what is actually desired.
According to the statement, Karua believes that Kobia is trying to make people believe that Azimio protests are creating ethnic tension which according to her is not true.
Kobia recently called for a halt to the ongoing anti-government protests called by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Kobia said the demonstrations are creating tension across the country, citing recent cases where people were killed, injured and property destroyed.
“While the constitution allows for the right to demonstrate, it does not guarantee the right to perform illegal acts against people and property,” Kobia told a press conference.
He condemned the vandalism of cars, business premises, churches, and mosques in parts of the country such as Nairobi and Kisumu, saying “we are worried that such acts will escalate into tensions across ethnic lines and also hate speech.”
“The situation in the country has created an enabling environment for criminals to do their activities,” he added.
Besides Kobia, several religious leaders have called upon President William Ruto and Odinga to have a dialogue as a way of ending the nationwide protest.
However, Mr Odinga has maintained the protests will continue as planned until the government responds to Azimio’s demands of lowering the prices of commodities and initiating electoral reforms.
Also read: Ex-NMG Editor Leonard Guchu appointed Murang’a County officer
Muthama calls for peaceful coexistence amid anti-government demos