President Uhuru Kenyatta has been urged to respect Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga given his ‘incredible’ international reputation as a Pan-Africanist.
Kenyatta has been at loggerheads with Odinga since the latter was declared winner of 2013 polls, with often their political differences depicted in fierce political rivalry between the lieutenants.
And on Sunday, a host of opposition MPs led by Siaya Senator James orengo warned the president against ‘undermining’ Mr. Odinga.
“Raila is not Uhuru’s equal and that should be respected. Uhuru was born and raised in State House, he has never been part of freedom struggle in this country and I wonder why he always talks badly against Raila,” he said.
“The role Odinga has played in this country will be remembered in many years to come and so it’s important for the government to respect him at all times without necessarily throwing insults at him,” he added.
Busia Women Representative Florence Mutua accused the President of ‘allowing’ his lieutenants to insult Mr. Odinga, saying it was not only disrespect to Odinga, but also to international community.
“Raila is known internationally as a peace loving person and that goes without a question. Some MPs who are allied to Jubilee always insult him and the president just joins them. We cannot accept that. Raila is nobody’s equal and the President should know that,” she said during Home coming ceremony of Mr. Timothy Bosire.
Raila on his part avoided the topic but insisted that opposition will not be part of 2017 polls if fundamental reforms are not done in the IEBC.
Among those who joined calls to have IEBC disbanded were MPs Charles Geni, Alice Chae, Governor James Ongwae, Ben Momanyi and Gladys Wanga.