Orengo: We will boycott devolution conference over withdrawal of Raila's security

By Peter Ochieng

Governors elected under the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya umbrella may boycott devolution conference to be held in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county next week.

Speaking in Bondo on Friday, Siaya governor James Orengo said they maybe a no show during the event, as a sign of protests over the government's withdrawal of Azimio leader, Raila Odinga's security.

Orengo said they can not sit down with president William Ruto, "who took away Baba (Raila's) security)."

"We cannot sit down with someone who took away security from Baba. We as Azimio will have a meeting so that we resolve that we cannot go into a meeting presided by Ruto while he has taken away the security of our leader," said the first term governor.

President William Ruto is expected to officially open the week long conference.

Odinga is among leaders who will address the meeting as one of the key note speakers.

The government withdrew security officers attached to Azimio top leaders, governors, senators and MPs during anti-government protests last month.

Addressing the issue recently, deputy president Rigathi Gachagua said the officers will not be returned any time soon.

"I'm sorry your security was taken away. Your officers were taken to deal with demonstrators. Your officers will be returned to you after three months when we are sure there are no demos," he said.

Odinga on Friday declared that future protests will not entail going to the streets, but "remaining in houses and preventing those who try to come out."