2012 will be ‘mother of all battles’, says Premier Raila

Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Saturday called on Kenyans to prepare for the “mother of all battles” in 2012.

He said the new Constitution had created a level playing field for all presidential aspirants and had reduced bribery in politics.

“Resources will now go directly to the people to create wealth and employment for the jobless youth who followed politicians for handouts,” Mr Odinga said in Katieno village in Uriri District during the burial of former Uriri MP Odhiambo Omamba.

But, as the country approaches the next polls, the PM advised Kenyans to discard tribalism and embrace unity for purposes of development and stability.

He described the new law as “an instrument of peace and equal distribution of resources”. “And the interests of smaller communities will be catered for within the 47 newly created counties. They will be fully represented at all levels,” he said.

“We want to build a united Kenya for posterity devoid of tribalism.” Earlier, Mr Odinga differed with some MPs who demanded that Nyanza residents discard the idea of family planning to increase their numbers.

The PM said Vision 2030 was only achievable in an environment where people raised families they were able to support adequately. “And, after all, the new President of Kenya will have to get support from all communities, not just his or her own,” he said.

Education assistant minister Prof Ayiecho Olweny and MP Otieno Ogindo (Rangwe) had told the mourners to give birth to as many children as possible following the 2009 population and housing census that ranked the Luo community fourth in the nation.

Cabinet ministers Dalmas Otieno and Otieno Kajwang and MPs Edick Anyanga (Nyatike), John Pesa (Migori), James Rege (Karachuonyo), Cyprian Ojwang (Uriri) and Galole MP Dhadho Godana supported Mr Odinga’s bid for the presidency in 2012, saying he was the most qualified aspirant.

Mr Godana dismissed emerging tribal groupings that were “already burning the midnight oil to scheme for the Kibaki succession” as people wasting their time since the majority of Kenyans will have the final say on who becomes the next Head of State.

Trade assistant minister Samson Ogari said Kenyans have matured and will not be duped easily during the next campaigns. Turkana South MP Josephat Nanok said the PM was poised to become the next President but urged leaders to address issues affecting the livelihood of the people.

He warned Kenyans against being cheated by people who have never fought for genuine reforms. He said such people were only interested in hijacking leadership positions. The road to a new Constitution, he explained, has been long and risky with some people losing their lives along the way.