Opposition leaders fault building of Mandera wall

Opposition leader Raila Odinga and his Cord co-principal Moses Wetang’ula on Satueday criticised the building of a wall along the Kenya-Somalia border.

Speaking at the funeral of scholar George Eshiwani at Mulwanda Primary School in Khwisero, Kakamega County, Mr Odinga said Jubilee should strengthen intelligence gathering to avert terrorist attacks.

Mr Eshiwani was a former Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University and Chancellor of Mt Kenya University.

The leaders said Prof Eshiwani played a critical role in development of education in the country.

Speaking on insecurity, Mr Wetang’ula said the building of the wall could have been mooted to benefit individuals in the government and asked how the tender was awarded.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said the wall was a clear indication that the government has run out of ideas.

On Monday, Deputy President William Ruto stated that the government will construct a wall from Lamu to Mandera along the Kenya-Somalia border to block terrorists from entering the country.

Mr Odinga asked the government to repair police aircraft, which he said had been dysfunctional.

“Out of 13 available police planes, only two are functional,” Mr Odinga said.

He said that individuals who caused the delayed response by Recce during the Garissa terror attack must be held responsible. Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya asked MPs to pass a law that will ensure victims of Garissa and Mandera terror attacks are adequately compensated.

Dr Khalwale and Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o objected to the closure of the Dadaab refugee camp.

“He must wage the war against graft right from his house,” Mr Odinga said.