Legislators tell off Ruto over ‘project’ tag labelled on Raila
Six Members of Parliament from Nyanza have told off Deputy President William Ruto and his lieutenants for labelling Opposition leader Raila Odinga as a Jubilee project.
The MPs said the former premier was not keen to be endorsed by anyone in his presidential campaign.
East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Oburu Oginga, Siaya senator James Orengo and MPs Samwel Atandi (Alego/Usonga), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), David Ochieng (Ugenya) and Christine Ombaka (Siaya Women Rep) said Raila has in the past struggled for the country’s good governance, including his push for constitutional amendments through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
The politicians who were speaking at the home of former Ugenya MP Archbishop Stephen Ondiek said Raila was still determined to land the presidency.
Oburu said his younger brother was fighting for presidency just like any other contender and laughed off claims that the ODM leader was expecting a favour from some quarters.
Collaborators and oppressors
He said that Kenyans were alive to the fact that some of those eyeing for presidency have been collaborators of oppressors and dictators
“We are in a struggle and not expecting to be given leadership on a silver platter.
Raila is fighting for the top seat like any other potential contenders and so those campaigning should do it peacefully knowing very well that Kenyans will not be hoodwinked with antics because they are aware of oppressors and dictators,” said Oburu.
He also dismissed Ruto’s campaign strategy saying it was based on lies.
“We know that DP has not demonstrated leadership and ability to change the status of this country and we can be fools if we give in to the gospel from prophets of doom,” said Oburu.
“How can a well-known witchcraft who have been bewitching people at night wear a frock and claim to be a bishop.
Kenyans are not stupid, they are much aware of those who have consistently been fighting for their interests,” said Oburu.
Orengo said none of the presidential contenders matches Raila politically, noting he stands out as politician who has built his base without support from those in power.
“The tag project labelled on Raila is a sense of defeat from Ruto’s camp,” said Orengo adding that Raila will depend on his own popularity and manifesto as a means of attracting votes.
“Yes, we’re working with Jubilee and in most cases, we have supported their programmes in Parliament and Senate, but that does not mean that we are in government,” said Orengo
“Raila has in the past been seeking support from the public and I don’t think he will side-lined n 2022.
We are sure of him being endorsed by all Kenyans hence their grassroots drive.
“For us, there is nothing like a deep state whatsoever. Our opponents are just desperate.
They have run out of campaign points and holding on to the project tag to confuse Kenyans,” said Orengo,”
He commended President Kenyatta and Raila for their unity and handshake, which led to the peace that Kenyans are currently enjoying and urged them to continue in the same spirit.
Cordial working relations
Orengo asked them not to leave this the country in the hands of those who will reverse the gains which have been realized as a result of their cordial working relationship.
“I want to congratulate the President and Raila for coming together for looking for something better for the Country and would urged them not to allow busy bodies to take advantage of what Raila has done to bring peace in the Country,” he added.
“Raila has been tried and tested and ideologies would revitilise the ailing country and liberate the country from injustices and extreme poverty,” said Atandi.
Former Funyula MP Paul Otuoma have called all leaders allied to Raila to organise for trips to Mt Kenya region to woo voters.
“Let us scale up the Mt Kenya and sell Raila agenda so as to demystify the myths that demonised Raila and woo them to back Raila as the fifth President,” he added.
