ODM leader Raila Odinga says nobody has the right to plan his political life saying he has been in the arena long enough to know how to navigate it.
Speaking at Bar Kalare Primary School in Gem Constituency Friday during this year’s Siaya County Agricultural Day, Mr. Odinga said no one should purport to plan anything for him.
He said, his desire to seek election for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) should not be misconstrued as an exit from the country’s politics saying even if he gets elected, he will still be available.
“Nobody should start planning anything for me, I am still around and I will continue being available for you people”, he said.
Mr. Odinga told Kenyans not to be worried by his bid to become the next Chairperson of the AUC Commission saying he will work for the continent and also ensure Kenyans do not suffer.
“Addis Ababa is just a stone’s throw away from Nairobi, if you need me, just let me know and I will be here to stand with you”, he said.
At the same time, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader has told the Kenya Kwanza administration to release the money meant for county governments for services to be delivered to the people.
He says any attempts to claw back devolution will be resisted for the benefit of the people of Kenya. “There are many bills in Parliament which have been drafted with the aim of clawing back devolution. Parliament has been reduced to a rubber stamp”, he said.
On Agriculture, Mr. Odinga urged county governments to invest in Agricultural Development in their respective counties to empower farmers to ensure Kenya is food secure.
“The issue of land security needs to be addressed so that we can have enough arable land for farmers to grow crops that will contribute to the country’s bread basket”, he added.
Roots Party Leader Prof. George Wajackoya lashed out at Kenya Kwanza politicians whom he said had all of a sudden become chief campaigners of Mr. Odinga in his bid to become the African Union Commission Chairperson. “They are busy allocating themselves roles so that Kenyans start thinking it is them who will make Baba the AU chairperson, I want to tell them to go slow”, he said.
He also told off a section of politicians jostling to replace him saying their ambitions are misguided. “Raila is not going anywhere. He is our leader and will continue to be our leader”, he added.
Governor of Siaya County James Orengo called for a sober debate on Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairperson.
“This is not the end of Raila’s politics. He is a seasoned politician who can chew gum and walk at the same time”, he said.
He said Azimio leadership was intact and urged other constituent parties to get out and rejuvenate their bases just like the ODM party is doing.
He cautioned Members of Parliament against being used by the Executive to kill devolution saying they should pass legislation that can only strengthen it.
Minority Leader in the National Assembly Mr. Opiyo Wandayi said despite parliament approving more than Ksh. 400 billion to go to devolved units, the Commission for Revenue Allocation had released Ksh. Ksh390 billion only. “They are not keen on having strong devolution in Kenya and that’s why they are not keen on disbursing money as approved by parliament”, he said.
Nominated MP Mr. John Mbadi called on his fellow parliamentarians to be sensitive about the plight of Kenyans and use their conscience while making laws and passing bills.
“Parliament has been held hostage by the outside forces. Members are no longer free to vote with their heads”, he added.
Others who addressed the gathering were the Siaya Woman Representative Dr. Christine Ombaka, Speaker of the Siaya County Assembly George Okode among others.
