Tribalism holding back development, warns Raila

Kenyans should shun politicians who peddle tribal propaganda to mislead them, instead of focusing on development matters.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the country was rebuilding itself after going through the 2008 post-poll violence and did not need those who would cause more skirmishes by preaching tribalism.

The premier told worshippers on Sunday in Kiambu County, that such leaders were trying to destroy what the country had already achieved by causing divisions among people.

He likened the unnamed politicians to those who want to return to the Biblical Egypt even after making the long journey to Canaan.

“We have come a long way to where we are and we should avoid those who want to take us back to the bad days we struggled to come out of,” he said.

According to him, achievements such as the passing of the new Constitution would never benefit Kenyans if leaders continued to mislead them based on ethnic lines.

“We passed the new constitution and we have set ourselves goals we must achieve to be like countries such as South Korea. In fact we are only remaining with 18 years to the Vision 2030. That’s why we should not listen to the lies these people are circulating,” he said.

The PM who spoke during the laying of a foundation stone at Gatuanabu PCEA Church in Kikuyu accused politicians of lying to Kenyans about those they perceived to be opponents so as to gain political mileage.

But even as the PM toured Kiambu, none of the local MPs including area legislator Lewis Nguyai was present. Only Nominated MP Rachel Shebesh and former Ntonyiri MP Maoka Maore attended. But area councillors from the area were there. The area is largely seen as pro-Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta.

Mr Odinga said that he bore no grudge against the Kikuyu community, saying it was false for people to say he would revenge against Kikuyus if he became president.

It was the third time the premier was refuting claims about his view of Kikuyus. Any differences he might have were ideological, not personal.

Ms Shebesh, who accompanied the PM acknowledged that it was time Kenyans learnt to live together as one for the country to develop.

“Let us stop preaching tribalism because it is not helping us.”

She defended the PM against claims that he was tribal, saying she, being Kikuyu and married to a Luhya, wouldn’t have been nominated had the PM’s party, ODM, been tribal.