Raila Odinga to set record on political crisis straight in the US

Nasa leader Raila Odinga addressing a press conference at the Okoa Kenya secretariat in Nairobi on October 31, 2017. He is set to travel to the US. PHOTO | DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The Siaya senator also said the opposition will have a one day “mother of all demonstrations” this week.
  • He said County Assemblies will, starting next week, begin debate on the establishment of People’s Assembly.

National Super Alliance (Nasa) leader Raila Odinga will this week take his push for electoral reforms to the US Congress in a multi-pronged offensive against the Jubilee government.

Nasa co-principal Moses Wetang’ula said Mr Odinga’s trip to the US was intended to set the records straight about the political crisis in the country.

Mr Odinga, according to Mr Wetang’ula, was scheduled to leave the country either last night or Sunday for Washington DC primarily to seek the backing of the Congress in ensuring democracy prevails in Kenya.

POWER

He will have important meetings in the US Congress to discuss the situation in Kenya, Mr Wetang’ula told Sunday Nation on telephone.

And speaking at a campaign rally in support of Ford Kenya’s candidate for the Kitutu Chache South parliamentary seat Richard Onyonka earlier in the day, the Bungoma senator said Mr Odinga will emphasise the injustices during the August 8 election and the October 26 fresh presidential poll.

“Mr Kenyatta can have the crown but we will not let him have the power,” he said adding the president is trying to destroy democracy in the country.

Mr Wetang’ula said he will later during the week head to the European Union to support the Nasa cause.

News of Mr Odinga’s trip to the US came as the opposition coalition announced it will step up a civil disobedience campaign across the country starting Sunday to push for reforms.

PUBLIC RALLY

At a press conference addressed by Siaya senator James Orengo in Nairobi on Saturday, Nasa said the campaign will start with a public rally in Kibra constituency this afternoon.

“We have the National Resistance Movement and we have embarked on a journey that we are determined to go through to the end and the outcome will be seen,” said Mr Orengo.

“We don’t want to talk about a petition now, we have taken a position about the elections and we are going to pursue it to the end,” he added.

The Siaya senator also said the opposition will have a one day “mother of all demonstrations” this week.

“We will give a series of our activities for the coming days in the rally today at Kibra,” Mr Orengo said.

BOYCOTT

On the boycott of products from Safaricom, Bidco and Brookside Dairies, Mr Orengo reported that there is so far good progress as there is mass movement of their supporters to alternative services and products.

“We are happy to report the boycott has taken off very well and if anyone is doubting, then let him visit supermarkets and mobile shops to check the situation,” Mr Orengo said.

He said County Assemblies will, starting next week, begin debate on the establishment of People’s Assembly with the ultimate goal of passing a resolution not to recognise President Kenyatta’s leadership.

Mr Odinga’s mission to the US would appear to be part of Nasa’s campaign to reach out directly to the international community instead of going through diplomats based in the country whom they have accused of siding with Jubilee.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been edited. A previous version wrongly stated that Raila Odinga would address the US Congress. We regret the error.

Story by Samwel Owino, Elgar Machuka and Nyaboga Kiage