The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
– ‘Anarchy and mayhem’ –
Matiangi said Odinga’s swearing-in itself was also under investigation and that “appropriate legal action” would be taken.
Authorities had repeatedly warned that such an inauguration would be treasonous and that Odinga could face arrest.
However, as the wording of the oath was different to that in the constitution, the consequences of Odinga’s act of political theatre remain unclear.
Most of all I thank the good Lord, my family and all those who have undertaken this journey with us. We have arrived in Canaan; thank you for staying the course with us. Asanteni sana. pic.twitter.com/6gdZBfxVAv
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) January 30, 2018
Odinga has refused to accept Kenyatta’s re-election, which came after last year’s deeply-divisive election season in which rights activists say at least 92 people were killed.
First was an election on August 8 that was won by Kenyatta then annulled in a historic decision by the Supreme Court, which ordered a re-run on October 26.
Claiming the poll would not be fair, Odinga boycotted the second vote and Kenyatta won with 98 percent.
Since boycotting the re-run poll, citing a lack of reform at the election commission, NASA’s strategy has been to challenge Kenyatta’s legitimacy by seeking to establish parallel government structures.
Opposition politicians have convened so-called “people’s assemblies” in some counties and the inauguration of Odinga as “people’s president” is seen as the culmination of this process.
Matiangi on Tuesday denounced the opposition’s National Resistance Movement wing, tasked with implementing a threatened programme of boycotts and civil disobedience, as an “organised criminal group”.
“It is a group of individuals who are bent on causing anarchy and mayhem,” he added on Wednesday.
“We will not accept subversion and criminal acts disguised as political activities. This will not be tolerated.”
