Raila reveals Cord post-election plan

Prime Minister Raila Odinga addresses Kisumu residents while carrying a bible presented to him at Kondele grounds on April 5, 2013. Photo/JACOB OWITI

What you need to know:

  • PM condemns use of force by police and visits family of two killed in demos

Prime Minister Raila Odinga made his first public appearance in his Kisumu stronghold where he condemned police for shooting two protesters and pledged to play a vital role in the governance of the country.

He outlined his future role and that of his Cord coalition as keeping the government on its toes, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and devolution.

Mr Odinga said that key on his agenda and that of his coalition would be to check the government and to ensure the full implementation of the Constitution. The PM said the alliance would also keep the government in check and ensure that resources were distributed equally throughout the country.

This was the first time Mr Odinga appeared in the western region since last Saturday’s ruling that upheld that Uhuru Kenyatta was the duly elected the president in the March 4 elections.

“We will ensure that the promises we gave to Kenyans especially on the implementation of the Constitution are fulfilled,” Mr Odinga said.

The PM was in Kisumu Town to visit some of the victims who were shot by police following the ruling which upheld the election of Mr Uhuru Kenyatta as the fourth president last Saturday.

Probe into killings

Mr Odinga condemned the use of what he termed excessive force by police during the demonstrations, calling for comprehensive investigations into the matter. Hundreds of residents milled around the Prime Minister shouting slogans that criticised the Supreme Court ruling.

In response, Mr Odinga said that the verdict of the court must be respected but that does not mean that Cord lost.

“Our commitment to work with whoever is elected as we said last week will still remain as solid as it has been since we started the journey of reforms,” he said. Mr Odinga made references to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ after judgement was passed against him.

According to the PM, the court ruled against him not because he did not have enough evidence, but because it was a sacrifice to move the country forward.

“Our predicaments in the Supreme court is like when Pontius Pilate decided to crucify Jesus instead of Barnabas so that the world can be saved,” said Mr Odinga. He said that although Jesus was crucified, he is still alive and he too will remain relevant.