Raila warns MPs against party 'rebellion'

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka are warning Opposition MPs against accepting offers of millions of shillings dished out to set them against the coalition.

The two claimed that several MPs in the Opposition have been compromised by the government to undermine them in their strongholds.

They said “State functionaries” are investing millions on some Opposition MPs in bid to demonstrate that the Cord support was waning in their own strongholds.

Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka have called a rally in Machakos on Sunday where they intend to kick off campaigns against “MPs for Hire”, targeting leaders said to have backslid from the mainstream Opposition after receiving government favours.

Several MPs in Ukambani, Nyanza and Western Kenyan have strategically withdrawn relationship with Cord leaders as they go underground.

The Machakos rally organised by area Senator Johnson Muthama will specifically address concerns over switching of camps by Opposition MPs and some governors to the government side.

The event will also be used as a thanksgiving forum for Mr Muthama’s release from police detention after he was arrested alongside eight other MPs two weeks ago.

Key Opposition MPs in Ukambani, Kisii and Mombasa have retreated from coalition affairs and are openly associating with Jubilee leaders or plotting against the Cord leadership both at county and national level.

“It is a big challenge to run an Opposition coalition especially when you are facing a government that is throwing bones to your members. Some our MPs including those in Wiper have eaten the bones,” Mr Odinga said.

Mr Musyoka said: “This Sunday we will have a big rally in Machakos. We regret that briefcases are changing hands amongst our MPs. It is true there are those who have eaten the bones and we know them.”