Nasa presidential candidate Raila Odinga during the presidential debate on Monday. He denied ever describing President Uhuru Kenyatta as a 'drunkard'. [Photo: Raila Odinga/ FB]
NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga has denied that he has ever termed or described President Uhuru Kenyatta as a 'drunkard' saying that if he ever did, it was on a light touch.
Speaking during the presidential debate on Monday where he appeared alone during the second session, Raila said that whatever adjectives he uses to describe Uhuru are just 'political jokes' that should never be taken seriously.
Raila had been put to task to explain whether that kind of language is acceptable for a leader of his calibre and who is likely to become the President of Kenya.
"I don't remember saying that Uhuru has fallen down because of being drunk. But if I said it, it must have been on a light touch. And by saying so, it doesn't mean that he is a drunkard at all. These are political jokes," said Raila.
He added: "When I say that the vehicle is being driven by a drunk driver and a turn-boy who is a thief, I don't think I meant to target Uhuru or Ruto unless themselves feel guilty. In politics, you have to come up with jokes."
Raila noted that even when Uhuru calls him a 'mad man' or 'kimundu', he also doesn't mean it and does it on a light touch.
"You see the Deputy President talks of 'yule mzee wa vitendawili'. That means there is something unusual about vitendawili according to him. And I say 'pilipili usioila yakuwashia nini?' We in Nasa respond to allegations made but in terms of jokes. It is Jubilee that sometimes get very irresponsible and we feel that we have to tell them that which is right," Raila said.