Raila, allies back from SA retreat

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his Cord allies returned home on Wednesday and promised to engage widely on their next political course.

Mr Odinga, former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula flew out of the country on Sunday, ahead of the inauguration of President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday.

The former PM told the Press at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport last night that the break in South Africa provided his team with an opportunity to relax after a gruelling campaign.

“We decided to take a rest in a friendly environment,” Mr Odinga said.

Though the Cord leaders declined to say why they skipped Tuesday’s historic event, Mr Odinga thanked Kenyans for their responsible conduct. “We want to thank Kenyans for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the electioneering period. We are back and are going to engage everyone constructively.”

He did not divulge details of the retreat despite speculations the three were working on a comeback plan that could see some politicians resign to make way for them.

His coalition partners did not speak to the media.

If the plan materialises, Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka could take up influential opposition seats in either the National Assembly or Senate.

But early yesterday MPs from Nyanza met at a city hotel and endorsed Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo for the position of minority leader.

The final decision will, however, be made by Cord MPs and senators after the official opening of Parliament on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, there was confusion on Wednesday as officials who worked in Mr Odinga’s office lobbied to remain in government while some opted to retire.

Permanent secretary Mohamed Isahakia is the most senior official said to have indicated his intention to leave. Mr Odinga’s spokesman, Mr Dennis Onyango, has also opted to leave.

Chief of Staff Caroli Omondi and Mr Odinga’s political adviser Adhu Awiti were among those expected to leave while the fate of Mr Odinga’s economic consultant, Prof Hiroyuki Hino, and Mr Paul Mwangi (constitutional affairs) was yet to be known.

The former PM’s secretary for administration, Mr Abdul Mwaserrah, a former provincial commissioner, was expected to remain in office as he is a civil servant.

Mr Silvester Kasuku, who was Mr Odinga’s adviser on infrastructure, was expected to continue with the Lamu Port and South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) project.

Former Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura was said to be eyeing a comeback as chairman of Lapsset, which is now a parastatal.