Raila invites ODM rebels back to party

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has extended an olive branch to ODM rebels, saying the party will welcome them back to its fold.

Speaking at a public rally in Kilgoris town on Friday, Mr Odinga said the party is willing to engage any political leader in the country.

"There is nothing wrong therefore if I talked to any of the political leaders in the country,” Mr Odinga said.

He encouraged those keen on reforms in the country to support the party in coming general election.

On the restoration of Mau forest, the Prime Minister argued that the water tower had rejuvenated due to the revival of rivers and streams which had dried up in the ecosystem due to encroachment.

Mr Odinga said restoration of the Mau and other water towers was a cabinet decision and at no time did he want to subject anyone to suffering.

He explained that contrary to claims, the eviction of forest encroachers was not meant to subject them to suffering.

“This has become evident with the ongoing resettlement programme of the Mau evictees that is soon coming to an end,” he said.

“We shall continue with this conservation efforts until all the water towers are completely reclaimed.”

The Premier framed the coming election as a turning point in the history of the country that will determine operationalisation of the new constitution.

He cautioned that only those who believed in the constitution can implement it.

Mr Odinga said an ODM government will expand the economy to create jobs for the youth.

He said the government is committed to improving the road network in the area which also hosts the world famous Masai Mara.

He singled out the Ngorengore-Lolgorian-Kehancha-Migori-Mihuri Bay-Isabania road, saying construction work will begin within six months after feasibility studies had okayed the project. He also said the Sotik-Ndanai road will be extended to Kiligoris town.

The PM said that the government will build a modern stadium in Kiligoris towm and name it the David Lekuta Rudisha stadium in honour of the 800 metres Olympic champion who hails from the area.

He was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Willaim ole Ntimama, Henry Kosgei, James Orengo, Paul Otwoma, Chris Obure and the immediate former Kenya ambassador to China Julius ole Sunkuli.