ODM leader calls for probe of MPs in bribery shame

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has demanded investigations into claims that some Members of Parliament were bribed to throw out a report on the sugar scandal.

He said those who gave the bribes and those who received them should be equally held responsible.

"Those bribing MPs should also be blamed. We should investigate who they are and why they went to tempt MPs. It takes two to tango," said Mr Odinga in Tala, Machakos, during the burial of Christine Wausi, an aunt of former Senator Johnson Muthama.

INDISCRIMINATELY

He said he agreed with President Uhuru Kenyatta that corruption was a menace that should be eradicated and the culprits punished indiscriminately.

"Even if you are my brother and you are caught in corruption, you will carry your own cross because you did not steal on my behalf or on behalf of my tribe,” said Mr Odinga, adding that a national convention on the vice was scheduled for September 10 in Nairobi. Corruption was rife in all sectors including the national and county governments, parliament, the judiciary and parastatals," he said.

Mr Odinga said his peace deal with President Uhuru Kenyatta on March 9 was the only way out of the election stalemate and explained that he knew many of his supporters felt betrayed by the handshake.

'CROCODILES'

"I did not betray you. I was your leader and I saw building bridges as the only way out of the situation, " he said, adding that many people died before and after last year's elections while the country was deeply divided.

He said the opposition had not abandoned its mission to create a better Kenya but had only "retreated to build bridges after finding ‘crocodiles’ in the river."

The building bridges initiative will usher all Kenyans to a new country devoid of corruption and poverty, he said, and thanked all those who voted for him in the last election.

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Senator Muthama supported Mr Odinga's decision to join the President in the war on corruption.

PROPER LEGACY

"There has been tension and a lot of suspicion but it is important for Nasa to hold together. There are people who do not want us to be united. The people of Kenya are tired of corruption. If we win the war on corruption President Kenyatta will have established a proper legacy," said Mr Musyoka.

Mr Muthama revisited the pact between Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka for 2022 presidential elections saying he was confident the ODM leader would back Mr Musyoka.

"Raila is not a liar. If he told Kalonzo he will support him, he will do it," said Mr Muthama while urging the people to be patient. Others who supported the purge on corruption included Ms Wavinya Ndeti and MPs Gladys Wanga (Homabay), Simba Arati (Dagoretti North) and Stephen Mule (Matungulu).