Martin Mutua
21 January 2008
Nairobi — The Government has warned those agitating for economic sabotage of dire consequences.
Information and Communication minister, Mr Samuel Poghisio, said encouraging party supporters to destroy certain businesses was a "serious" crime that the Government would not take lightly.
Poghisio warned that politicians would be held responsible for destruction of property.
"The call by ODM leaders for economic sabotage and labour unrest in some companies is a betrayal to the workers and the people of Kenya, and especially the poor," he added.
He said leaders should direct their grievances to Parliament instead of exposing the poor to suffering.
He accused ODM of impoverishing Kenyans by destroying their livelihood, while their families lived in comfort.
"ODM leaders and their families are living comfortably; their children are going to school, yet those of the ordinary people are still at home," he said.
Speaking on Sunday at his Teleposta Towers offices, the minister accused ODM leaders of abuse of the rule of law.
"It is also clear that ODM is not interested in peace and reconciliation and that their actions are based on selfish ambitions and not on the desires of the people of Kenya," he added.
The minister noted that sabotage targeting one community would hurt the whole country.
"Farmers in Rift Valley Province have incurred huge losses as their dairy products go to waste due to lack of market provided by other regions," he said.
Poghisio said destruction of the railway line in Kibera had cut off commuters from ODM-dominated regions, complicating life for the same people they claim to be fighting for.
"By encouraging supporters in such subversive and criminal activities, the ODM leadership is putting the lives of their supporters in jeopardy," he added.
Poghisio urged wananchi to disregard "illegal and uncaring calls by violent leaders".
Poghisio said former UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, who is due in the country this week to broker peace, had appealed to the Government and ODM not to engage in any activity that would compromise the talks.
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