Raila returns from Germany Tuesday

Former Prime minister Raila Odinga is expected back in the country from Germany on Tuesday after a tour to woo investors for Cord-leaning counties that his office described as “successful”.

“Mr Odinga will be back on Tuesday morning from a mission meant to help counties get investors. The intention is to take as many governors as possible so they can establish contact with potential investors for the good of Kenyans,” his spokesman Denis Onyango said.

In a Facebook post the former Prime Minister said: “Our discussions were centred around areas of security, infrastructure, tourism and green energy.”
Mr Odinga, who is accompanied by Busia Governor Sospeter Ojamoong and his Mombasa Counterpart Hassan Joho, left the country on Tuesday. Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar is also part of the delegation.

Their first meeting was with the German African Business Association, Afrika-Verein, which organised the trip.

Mr Onyango also said Mr Odinga met officials of Siemens Group of Companies and other personalities.

His trip saw the postponement of a bonding retreat for Cord governors and senators initially planned for Arusha, Tanzania, this weekend. His co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka also travelled to Britain last Sunday.

The former premier has previously led a dozen Cord governors in two trips to the US in what he said was meant to help them pick lessons on how devolved units are run.

Mr Odinga also used the trips October 2013 to market his autobiography, Flame of Freedom. During the trip, he had been accompanied by governors Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Nathif Jama (Garissa), Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir), Ukur Yatani (Marsabit) and Josephat Nanok of Turkana.

Meanwhile, in Trans Nzoia, Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula has once again dismissed allegations that Mr Odinga will be Cord’s automatic presidential candidate in the next General Election.

Mr Wetang’ula said the three principals in Cord have agreed to face each other in a poll that will determine who will fly the coalition’s flag.

“The three of us will go through a nomination exercise. Nobody should spread lies that I am being duped,” he said at the burial of Matumbei ward MCA Ronald Wanjala at Kimondo.

SHOULD NOT BE DECEIVED

The Bungoma senator said locals should not be deceived by Amani coalition leaders to support the Jubilee government yet the region has been marginalised in appointments and in terms of development.

“We are not against the government but we should not kneel at their door to seek favours when we have a constitutional right,” said the Senate Minority Leader.

New Ford Kenya leaders, on their part, urged locals to reject calls for a referendum saying it is a political ploy by Cord to ensure it has grounds for the 2017 General Election.

Endebess MP Robert Pukose (URP) and his Saboti counterpart David Wafula (New Ford Kenya) challenged those calling for the referendum to give the Jubilee administration time to implement its agenda.

“This constitution cannot be amended hurriedly yet it has not been fully implemented. Give it time please,” said Mr Wafula.