PM Odinga decries ethnic politics

ODM leaders on Saturday demanded that the National Cohesion and Integration Commission investigate politicians behind the KKK alliance.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the commission should not sit and watch the re-emergence of ethnic politics that could whip up tribal animosity and lead to bloodshed.

“KKK should not be the one writing to the commission. The commission should not sit back like a dog that has seen a hyena while seeds of discord are being sown,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka recently wrote to the NCIC, distancing themselves from the tag, which they said prejudiced their positions.

The Prime Minister spoke out against tribal groupings in Budalang’i on Saturday during the burial of Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba’s father, Mr Peter Namwamba.

Over 20 MPs from ODM attended the funeral.

MPs allied to the Prime Minister also hit out at ODM MPs from Rift Valley, arguing that their reasons for ditching the party were not genuine.

Minister Fred Gumo said claims Mr Odinga suggested names for inclusion in the ICC list were false, adding that the MPs’ close associates are the ones who gave vital information to the ICC.

Budalang’i MP Namwamba added: “What things are these that the Prime Minister did that only Rift Valley MPs can see? Why can’t they mention them so that the rest of us can also see and decide if we are leaving?”

The comments came a day after Agriculture minister Sally Kosgei joined the William Ruto camp.