Mudavadi vows to run against Raila
ODM Deputy leader Musalia Mudavadi on Saturday clashed with Chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo over his presidential ambition.
Mr Midiwo had said Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Mr Mudavadi should consult and decide who between them will contest the presidency on the party ticket.
He added that the current campaigns by the two were causing anxiety within the party.
But Mr Mudavadi said the party needed to promote the spirit of participation of all members in democratic processes and to bring people together.
“I don’t need to defend myself. I have attended this function because of the respect I have for Raila. I have no fear.
“If the delegates say that he is the one, I will be more than happy,” Mr Mudavadi said.
Apprehension in party
Mr Midiwo had earlier said there was apprehension in the party. “We want you to tell us who between Raila and Mudavadi will carry the party’s flag.
“Let me tell you if Mr Musalia Mudavadi wins the party’s nomination, some of these people will be disappointed and rebel,” the Gem MP said.
But when Mr Odinga rose to speak, he asserted that he and his deputy were working together for the unity of the party.
“We are united and will work together. ODM is a legion of many personalities. In-fighting will only benefit our detractors,” he said.
The leaders spoke at the 18th anniversary celebrations of the death of Mr Odinga’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga at Bondo University.
Mr Midiwo further said he would ask Parliament to block Mr Francis Kimemia from assuming the position of head of civil service.
He said the PS needed the approval of MPs to replace Mr Francis Muthaura, who resigned after the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed charges of crimes against humanity against him.
Retired Anglican Archbishop David Gitari, who also attended the function, said Mr Uhuru Kenyatta should relinquish the post of deputy prime minister following the confirmation of charges against him by the ICC.
The cleric, who was the chief guest at the function, said it was illogical for Mr Kenyatta to resign from the Finance ministry and retain the DPM’s post as both required a high standard of public trust and integrity.
Mr Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto have maintained they would contest the presidency in the next General Election despite facing charges at The Hague-based court. Their declaration has since drawn mixed reactions.
Finance Assistant Minister Oburu Oginga said it would be unfair to lock Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto out of the presidential race as they should be presumed innocent until their guilt is proven.
“We always want our brothers to be on the ballot in fair competition. But, because they are facing charges, we can only wish them well,” he said.
Youth Affairs Minister Paul Otuoma said it was regrettable that the ICC debate was taking a tribal dimension, adding that some of the accused were using it to whip up emotions, insinuating that their communities were on trial.
Assistant minister Alfred Khangati said the four accused men should not blame anybody because the MPs had been on the forefront in thwarting attempts by the President and PM to seek the formation of a local tribunal.
Lands minister James Orengo and MPs John Pesa, Ayiecho Olweny, Shakeel Shabbir, Olago Aluoch, Edwin Yinda and Otieno Ogindo were at the ceremony.
