The allies of Opposition chief Raila Odinga have turned fired back at Deputy President William Ruto’s allies following their quest to have Odinga quit local politics.
Mr Ruto’s allies had on Sunday said Raila should not mix his new job with domestic issues, adding that Ruto’s route to power was now clear with Raila’s “exit”.
This follows Raila’s appointment as a High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa. The African Union Commission on Saturday last week said his appointment was part of its drive to fast-track integration of the continent.
The leaders allied to Jubilee, who spoke during the weekend at a fundraiser in aid of a church, claimed that Raila’s appointment to the AU signified an end to his local political career.
The function held in Uasin Gishu coincided with another event in Nandi County at which President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto were presiding.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa said: “Now that he has been appointed, we expect him to work with other international leaders to ensure development is realised in the country. We shall not expect him to indulge in local politics.”
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro praised Uhuru for vouching for Raila. “His calls for a referendum should come to an end because he has been appointed to a higher office. He should shun local politics and engage in Africa’s leadership in ensuring that our roads are set up to a required international standards,” he said. Bomachoge MP Alpha Miruka said leaders should focus on development not constitutional changes.
“They are the ones who have been calling for a referendum but as a leader who believes in the current leadership of Kenyatta and his deputy, it is imperative that the changes be put on hold until we realise all the promises we made to the locals,” he added.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa said the former premier should keep off the country’s political affairs. “He will not have time to rally citizens to unnecessary demonstrations like before, which is good for the country’s development,” he said.
Ford Kenya Deputy Party Leader Boni Khalwale said Raila’s position gives the country an opportunity to reach out to other institutions such as Africa Development Bank (ADB) in improving the region’s infrastructure.
“He should go and be a faithful servant like our own Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, who was appointed by the United Nations. For a start, he should remove his thoughts from Kenya and focus on Africa. Let the local politics be played by us,” he said.
But yesterday, Raila’s allies fought back, saying those hoping Raila would quit local politics were “dreaming”. MPs John Mbadi (Suba South), Junet Mohamed (Suna East), Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja) and Godfrey Osotsi (nominated) reminded the DP’s allies that Raila was now in a poised position to win the presidency in 2022 should he contest.
Nothing has changed. @RailaOdinga is still the Party Leader of the @TheODMparty and Leader of NASA… He will talk politics as he has always done his new appointment not withstanding.
— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) October 22, 2018