[Auditor General Edward Ouko in a past function. ODM party has accused President Uhuru Kenyatta of allegedly plotting his removal. Photo/nation.co.ke]
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has accused President Uhuru Kenyatta of being behind the current bid to remove Auditor General Edward Ouko from office.
Six ODM MPs led by the party's chairman John Mbadi yesterday said President Kenyatta wanted Mr Ouko out because he had exposed massive graft in the government.
Speaking during the burial of former Utiri MP Cyprian Omollo Ojwang in Kanyamkago in Uriri Sub County,Mr Mbadi claimed that President Uhuru is not happy with Mr Ouko's work.
"The President wants Mr Ouko out because his government is riddled with graft. He should be man enough to admit that the auditor’s relentless pursuit of the ugly truth behind Jubilee’s corruption is becoming a thorn in his flesh," said Mr Mbadi.
MPs Jared K'Opiyo (Awendo),Jakoyo Midiwo (Gem),John Kobado (Uriri) and Fred Outa (Nyando) faulted the Jubilee government for failing to tackle graft and instead plotting for the removal of Mr Ouko.
The MPs vowed to ensure removal of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Secretariat who they accused of planning to rig August Presidential elections in favour of Jubilee Party.
"Secretariat of the electoral agency must be sent home before elections because they are planning to rig elections," said Mr Midiwo.
The legislators claimed that they have done research across the country and found out that the NASA coalition is 700,000 votes ahead of the Jubilee Party in August election.
“We have done our research countrywide and the results show that Nasa commands at least 700,000 more votes compared to Jubilee. We are in a prime position to capture victory from the current regime onAugust 8,” said Mr Mbadi.
Responding to claims by DP William Ruto that the coalition was disjointed and lacking direction, the MPs refuted claims of disunity in the National Super Alliance, saying it would defeat Jubilee in the next elections.
"NASA coalition will win the elections following its unity. Jubilee Party is panicking following our unity pact," said Mr Outa.
He warned Nasa supporters against complacency going into elections, saying it would cost them the victory over Jubilee.
“After voting, do not go home but wait at the polling station until the final results confirming Nasa’s victory in all the various seats has been announced. That way, we will prevent outright rigging from taking place,” said Mr Outa.
Mr Mbadi claimed that the Jubilee government had resorted to propaganda to portray NASA coalition as a divided outfit.
“We wish to remind Mr Kenyatta that no amount of propaganda will divert us from our grand purpose which is to rescue Kenyans from this crooked and corrupt regime. Our resolve remains unshaken,” Mr Mbadi said.
Mr Mbadi lashed out at President Kenyatta for intimidating governors, singling out the latest tirade against Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho as a sign of irrational behavior.
“When you took the oath of office, it was to protect the life of Kenyans, including Governor Joho, whose life has been threatened. In the event that anything happens to him, we will hold you squarely responsible,” said Mr Mbadi.
He said the opposition would swear in Mr Odinga as president in a move similar to the recent Gambian election aftermath should President Kenyatta refuse to concede defeat.
“If President Kenyatta refuses to vacate State House after his defeat is announced, we will go ahead and swear in our president before taking legal action against him like the Gambians did to their former president,” said Mr Mbadi
On his part, Mr Jakoyo Midiwo had no kind words for President Kenyatta, labelling his recent comments about Governor Joho as misguided and in bad taste.
“Who told you that Governor Joho would dare regard you as his wife? Those are nasty, misplaced comments totally unfit for a president to make. We are disgusted by your rude and arrogant remarks, President Kenyatta," said Mr Midiwo.
He said Kenyans were tired of Jubilee and warned voters against losing what he termed their only opportunity to change the country.
“Let us not take the wind of discontent blowing through the country for granted. It is our only opportunity to bring genuine change in this country as voters and if we lose it, we might never get it again in a long time. We can no longer afford to have a lazy president, an incompetent deputy and an absent leadership in charge of the country,” alleged Mr Midiwo.
He said Kenyans would vote the Jubilee government out at the August elections, saying its campaign only had Kenyatta, DP Ruto and Aden Duale as opposed to Nasa which had a full team and plenty of reserve members.
“We have a full team including four principals and plenty of reserve players including myself while the Jubilee side only has Kenyatta, Ruto and Duale doing its campaign. They are obviously no match for us,” said Mr Midiwo.
"Uhuru Kenyatta has five months in State House because a united opposition will ensure he becomes a one term president," said Mr Midiwo.
The burial was also attended by Migori governor Zechariah Okoth Obado, governorship aspirants Ochillo Ayacko,Paul Odola and Mark Nyamita.
The leaders eulogised the former Uriri MP as a debater and staunch ODM party member and supporter.