UDA MP Warns ODM Against Lecturing Ruto Over Police Shooting Orders Fungeni Mdomo Source Facebook
Political Firestorm: UDA MP Demands ODM Silence on Ruto’s Directives
Nairobi, Kenya – A war of words has erupted between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over President William Ruto’s recent directive to police regarding violent protests. Nyaribari Chache Member of Parliament Zaheer Jhanda (UDA) has sharply criticized ODM, led by Raila Odinga, for opposing the President’s stance, telling them to “shut up” if they are not willing to resign from the broad-based government.
President Ruto’s order to police to “shoot violent protesters” drew strong condemnation from ODM, with party leader Raila Odinga and Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna leading the charge.
ODM Blasts Ruto’s “Reckless” Remarks
Speaking in the Senate, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna did not mince words, calling Ruto’s remarks “reckless” and a sign that the country was headed in the wrong direction.
“A state officer standing and saying you can shoot people as if people don’t die from gunshot wounds. We saw Rex Masai, the young man who was killed during the protests, was shot in the leg. How can you tell people to shoot people in the leg as if those injuries are sustainable injuries? We want to make it very clear, as a country, we’ve totally lost our way,” Sifuna stated.
Raila Odinga echoed these sentiments in a strongly worded statement, asserting that any directives to “kill, maim, disorient or shock citizens” are wrong, infringe on human rights, and could escalate violence.
UDA Lawmaker Questions ODM’s Moral Authority
However, MP Zaheer Jhanda, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, July 12, accused Odinga and his allies of attempting to dictate how President Ruto should govern. Jhanda argued that ODM lacks the moral authority to criticize the government, given their consistent inability to win national elections.
“ODM Should not Threaten or Lecture us on how to Run Government or Human Rights Issues. They have Never won any Elections,” Jhanda wrote.
The UDA lawmaker further challenged ODM, stating that their criticism would only be taken seriously if their members resigned from the current Cabinet.
“If they’re Uncomfortable in the Broad Based Government, Then MUHAME Mbio.. Ask Your Ministers to Resign, and then we shall take you Serious Otherwise fungeni mdomo,” he added, emphasizing his demand for ODM’s silence unless they fully separate themselves from the government they criticize.
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