Raila’s take on political rivals

By MUTINDA MWANZIAPrime Minister Raila Odinga has said he has no hard feelings against his former ally-turned fierce critic Eldoret MP William Ruto, terming his presidential bid welcome.Raila said Ruto has often stated that he felt aggrieved for reasons best known to him and has often Only days to election year, PM speaks on Ruto and Kalonzo, and on his working relations with President Kibaki [Photo: File/Standard]branded the PM as the offending party."I don’t wish him any harm and like any Kenyan, he is free to express his political ambitions in whichever party he feels is best for him," said Raila.He, however, extended an olive branch to Ruto saying that if the Eldoret North MP makes up his mind, he is still welcome in ODM."I have no problem working with him again if he still feels so," said Raila.Ruto has often intensified his criticism of Raila blaming him for the woes facing him at the International Criminal Court.According to Ruto, Raila should have fought against his inclusion among the Ocampo Six, the others being Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey, radio presenter Joshua Sang, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura and Postmaster General Hussein Ali.Ruto, who has already ditched ODM for UDM, has also accused Raila of wrecking ODM. He says the party has become like a religion, where divergent views are not allowed.The Eldoret MP has always publicly stated that he used millions of shillings campaigning for Raila and spent four sleepless nights at the KICC to ensure ODM votes would not be stolen.Popular partyBut Raila, who spoke to The Standard on Sunday in an exclusive interview at his private offices at the Spectre Company on Friday, said ODM is still the most popular party despite some of its members ditching it for other parties."ODM is a national party that enjoys support across the nation and in the Diaspora. That is a fact," said Raila.On the Mau evictions, Raila said he has no regrets pushing for the reclamation of the water towers despite the move sparking outrage among Rift Valley MPs, including Ruto.Anti-Raila campaigners have also been using the Mau forest evictions and The Hague case against Ruto to drum up their animosity for him, especially in the Rift Valley region. Raila said the reclamation of the Mau was part of the ODM manifesto, adding that it was not his invention."I can now say that efforts to reclaim the water tower are bearing fruits. Those opposed to the process are merely doing so for cheap political mileage," said Raila.The Prime Minister said he would be in the race for the presidency next year if nominated by his party ODM and is ready to meet any challenger.He said the 2012 elections would be historic since they will be held under the new Constitution."The Constitution is a big plus for Kenyans since it has put in place mechanisms for the devolution of power," said Raila. He reiterated that voters have the power to determine the outcome of the elections, adding that the 2007 election debacle should be a wake up call for the need for free and fair polls.Raila warned Kenyans to be wary of anti-reformists, popularly known as watermelons, saying they are working overdrive to derail the implementation of the Constitution.He said some of the anti-reformists were now opposing the devolution structures and are against the transfer of funds to the county Government."Those who opposed the Constitution will stop short of nothing to derail its implementation," said Raila.The Prime Minister, who also spoke about his relationship with Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, said: "The media has been speculating that there have been overtures from my team to Kalonzo. That is just speculation."He added: "There is no way that we can work together again in one party." Raila fell out with Kalonzo in a bitter power struggle in ODM-Kenya in the run up to the 2007 General Election. "Kalonzo and I are presidential candidates and we will certainly meet at the ballot," said the Prime Minister.He said the Constitution and the elections Bill had paved way for credible polls with no "shortcuts " for political posts."I hope we will have a respectful campaign without mud racking," said Raila.On Kibaki, Raila said their relationship in the Coalition Government has been cordial despite the bumpy start after its formation following the disputed 2007 election.He said together with Kibaki, they have managed to establish a good working relationship that has helped steer the Coalition Government through turbulent waters.Raila said the country has waded through hard times in the past and lauded Kenyans for their resilience. He said those alleging that he has lost the support of the Rift Valley should understand that the region is cosmopolitan. The Langata MP said ODM still commands respect in the region and would continue to consolidate the support.He said the party is making inroads into Central Kenya, adding that he has been talking to the region’s leaders and voters.Raila declined to comment on Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s candidature. The Prime Minister instead chose to speak on what he was doing to reach out to voters in Central Kenya, where Uhuru draws most of his support from. He said he has been meeting professionals and elders from the region to demystify their misgivings about him. Tribal corner"The people in that region have told me that they are ready to support a leader and party of their choice. They are not ready to be shepherded into a tribal corner," said Raila.He said Central Kenya is breaking tribal barriers and youths in the region have refused to be segregated into an ethnic enclave. He said youths below the age of 35 are the majority voters and have no time engaging in tribal politics. He said the rising inflation that has triggered increased prices for basic goods should be a wake up call for political leaders to find ways to cushion the low-income earners."I salute Kenyans for their fortitude and wish them a prosperous new year," said Raila.He said 2012 will be a challenging year since it will also be a season for campaigns, adding that he was dedicating himself to offer credible leadership if elected as the country’s next President. Raila said he would spend his Christmas with the larger Odinga family at their ancestral home in Bondo.

Raila’s take on political rivals

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