Return ‘looted’ property, Raila tells Uhuru, Ruto

By Peter Atsiaya and Robert Wanyonyi

BUNGOMA, KENYA: Prime Minister Raila Odinga has hit out at Jubilee Alliance leaders Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto saying that they should be ready to return looted property.

He noted that the duo should live to the responsibility that comes with the Jubilee year as stipulated in the Bible.

“They have land they acquired illegally and they should be ready to surrender it,” he added.

Raila, who was winding up his tour of Western Province, was with his running mate, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka.

The VP cautioned Kenyans to be wary of leaders who want to use the country to shield against problems they are facing.

Integrity

He said the country needed a president who had international integrity that would attract investors.

“No investors would come to Kenya if you elect a president with a bad image internationally,” he added. He noted that his alliance with Raila would end tribalism that had cost the country dearly.

During the rally at Posta Grounds in Bungoma, Raila endorsed Assistant Minister Alfred Khangati as best suited for the county’s governor post.

The PM’s move is likely to create divisions in CORD since Trade minister Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya has a candidate for the position.

Support

Ford-Kenya enjoys support in the county. Mr Wetangula wanted to be allowed to take control of the area.

Wetangula and Ford-Kenya aspirant for governor’s seat Jack Tumwa were at the rally as Raila paraded Khangati and declared that he was his choice for the seat.

“I have worked with Khangati in my office for three years and he has lived up to expectations. He is the best candidate for governor’s seat,” said Raila, as he held the assistant minister’s hand.

Other CORD members at the rally were Cabinet Ministers Fred Gumo, Paul Otuoma, Ababu Namwamba and Henry Kosgey and MPs Cyrus Jirongo, Wakoli Bifwoli and Sospeter Ojaamong, among others.

The PM had earlier addressed more than 1,000 teachers at Nzoia Guest House and asked them to support his bid for presidency.

But there was drama as the teachers were left stranded after they were not given money to return home.

“Teachers are stranded because we were given only Sh200,000 to facilitate their transport, which is not enough,” said Ken Ng’ang’a, Bungoma County Knut Secretary.

He added: “We have informed leaders who organised the meeting and they have agreed to send us more money to give teachers. At the moment they are waiting at the club.”

Raila noted that his government would give priority to revival of industries.

“Pan Paper Mills that closed down would be revived the first month of CORD government,” said the PM.

“We want to set up value additional industries to create employment and help eradicate poverty,” Raila added.