GOVERNOR BARASA CALLS FOR DIALOGUE BETWEEN PRESIDENT RUTO AND HON. RAILA

Kakamega Governor H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa has called on the Government to extend an olive branch to the opposition to quell the twice weekly anti-government protests led by Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga of Azimio One Kenya Alliance.

Addressing Catholic faithfuls during a Palm Sunday Celebration Mass at Holy Spirit Bulimbo Parish in Matungu Sub-County, the Governor stated his solid support to peaceful picketing as provided for in the Constitution and acknowledged that Kenyans enjoy the fruits of devolution today, including the freedom of expression, courtesy of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga; he therefore implored President William Ruto to welcome unconditional negotiations between him and the Azimio Leader.

FCPA Barasa further asked security forces to refrain from applying excessive force on peaceful demonstrators while at the same time cautioned individuals against taking advantage of the demos to engage in acts of vandalism and theft.

On Saturday during an interdenominational church thanksgiving conference held at Silungai grounds in Malava Sub-County, also attended by the Deputy President H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, Governor Barasa regretted that a whopping KES 3 billion is lost on every demonstration day impacting negatively on the country’s economy. He reiterated the same message, same day, in the presence of his Nyeri colleague H.E. Mutahi Kahiga at the funeral of Mama Agnes Omucheyi, the Bishop of Overcoming Faith Church in Lurambi Sub-County.

Today’s mass led by the Parish Priest Fr. Felix Likule focussed on “Peace, Reconciliation and Development.”

Governor Barasa was accompanied by the First Lady Mama Prof. Janet Barasa and MCAs led by the Deputy Speaker Hon. Benard Shitiabayi.