Raila denies Oburu’s polls date comments

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has termed as “personal” comments attributed to his brother implying that the premier would like elections held this year.

He reiterated that he will hold consultations with President Mwai Kibaki before settling on the date of the next general election.

A date when the two principals will meet to deliberate on the issue is yet to be fixed, the PM’s office stated on Wednesday.

The PM was reacting to reports that he wanted the polls held this year but that President Kibaki may take advantage of a High Court ruling that left the possibility of holding the polls in 2013 to extend his stay in power against the wishes of some Kenyans.

The reports were attributed to his elder brother, Finance assistant minister Dr Oburu Oginga. He was speaking in his Bondo constituency.

“The PM’s position has been that he will hold consultations with the president on the election date.

That remains his position as of now because the consultations have not taken place. Dr Oburu may have been giving his own view ,” said Mr Odinga’s spokesman Dennis Onyango said.