Mixed reactions to calls by NRM asking supporters’ to boycott Safaricom, Bidco and Brookside Dairies

By ABDULHAKIM SHERMAN
newsdesk@reporter.co.ke
Across-section of Kenyans expressed their views on calls by the National Super Alliance (Nasa) affiliated MPs for their supporters to boycott Safaricom, Bidco and Brookside Dairies products.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary wing on Friday asked its supporters not to use Safaricom, Bidco Industries and Brookside products and services.

The boycott is part of the coalition’s measures to protest against failure by the Independent and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to preside over free, fair, credible and democratic elections.
Kenyans have expressed varied views on social media platforms that include Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Dr Miguna Miguna, a former aide of Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga said he had decided to enlist with NRM at the rank of general in charge of operations.
Suba North MP Millie Odhaimbo said they will periodically name more companies whose products NASA supporters should boycott.

“We ask our people to stick to the list that we will provide from time to time,” she said during a press conference at Okoa Kenya’s office in Nairobi.
Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said when a government resort to using violence to suppress the people they resist.

Lawyer Nelson Havi said Interior Cabinet Secretary  Fred Matiang’i will soon dispatch tanks, water cannons and armed criminals in police uniform to Nyanza, Ukambani, Western and Coast to force delivery of Brookside milk.

But Deputy President William Ruto in a series of tweets, Ruto termed as criminal the Opposition’s listing of companies to be affected by the boycott.
He wrote: “That companies have to ‘donate’ to supremo to avoid listing in the brazen and bizarre extortion racket-styled ‘economic boycott’? Criminal!

“As GOK, we ask all companies to continue to partner with Kenyans, pay taxes only to KRA and reject the extortion scheme-styled economic boycott.”
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator and Senate majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen said NASA’s calls are a fundraising ploy.

Mr Murkomen claimed the coalition is broke and has now resorted to blackmail to raise funds from companies.
“NASA leaders led by Tinga (Raila Odinga) are soliciting bribes from companies to avoid naming them in the boycott list. It’s not a boycott…they are just broke,” he tweeted.