Ababu Namwamba wants 'truth' on Garissa attack

ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba is opposed to plans to construct a wall on the border of Kenya and Somalia. (Photo:File/Standard)

NAIROBI: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has continued to pile pressure on the Jubilee administration to tell Kenyans the truth about the recent Garissa massacre.

ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba demanded that the Government answer all questions on failed response to attacks at the Garissa University College.

“ODM demands a clear, credible and time-bound programme for restoring security for Kenyans. We demand that Kenyans be told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, on what happened in Garissa,” said Ababu in a statement read on behalf of the party.

Addressing the Press Monday in Machakos County after a two-day retreat for party officials, Ababu opposed plans to construct a wall on the border of Kenya and Somali to keep terrorists at bay.

CLEAR STRATEGY

The Orange party is also concerned over alleged politicisation of security by Jubilee, reiterating that Kenya must come up with a clear strategy of getting the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) out of Somalia.

The national executive council, national elections board and the secretariat officials at the event resolved to join other Kenyans in soldiering on with constitutional reform efforts through the ‘Okoa Kenya’ referendum bill scheduled to be unveiled this Thursday. The party also expressed concern over the state of policies that have increased polarisation among Christians and Muslims that in turn water Al-Shaabab activities in the country.

“We have resolved that together with our coalition partners we will embark on serious consultations with the religious community to figure out how to end the stigmatisation and polarisation and jointly fight terrorism in a united manner,” read the statement.

But Ababu sought to clarify that he is ODM secretary general and he would not ditch the party for any other, contrary to media reports.

“This is the height of reckless journalism and the story was published with malicious intent. I have been in ODM since its inception and I’m the secretary general and at no point have I entertained thoughts of leaving the party,” said Ababu.

He dismissed claims the retreat was also aimed at picking members to be part of the new Parliamentary Accounts Committee after it was dissolved last week at the recommendation of the Kuresoi legislator Moses Cheboi-led Powers and Privileges committee.

He said the team was a ‘Kangaroo’ process that had not solved integrity issues the National Assembly was facing.