[Defense Minister Rachael Omamo in a past event. ODM leader Raila Odinga has warned her against using military to deal with internal issues of the country. Photo/Nation]
Historical rivalry between Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and former powerful Minister in Kenyatta’s regime Odongo Omamo could be reignited following the controversy surrounding August elections.
While Omamo supported establishment, Jaramogi spent most of his life battling with the country’s ruling elites until his death in 1994.
And on Saturday, Jaramogi’s son Raila Odinga fired warning to defense Minister Rachael Omamo over use of military to quell internal disputes should they arise in August.
“I want to warn my sister Omamo that military should not be used to settle internal disputes. That is the work of the police.
“She should suspend the ongoing training in Embakassi for her own good. If they want to use military to manage internal affairs, she should seek a leave from parliament,” she added.
Barely a month to August elections, Odinga has accused the government of training military to rig elections in favour of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In reference to the ongoing training however, Omamo denied the claims adding that the government was training a rapid response unit in case of chaos.