By Martin Mutua and Vitalis Kimutai
Prime Minister Raila Odinga is ready to give as good as he gets when faced with bare-knuckle politics from his competitors.
After weeks of taking a beating at prayer rallies across the country, Raila is showing his mettle.
The ODM leader has surprised both friend and foe by giving his re-election campaign teams free rein to tackle any attack messages aimed at him.
Their brief is to blunt the impact of barbs aimed at him by offering a speedy rebuttal or landing a blow of their own. The approach lets him stay above the fray while addressing the torrent of "wild and outrageous" accusations being used to eat away at his support.
It may also ensure that he is not knocked off his campaign message of reform to fight other political fires. Belgut MP Charles Keter (left) and Cherangany MP Joshua Kuttuny want Prime Minister Raila Odinga to resign over the statement from his campaign secretariat on ICC cases against Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto. [PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD]
In an exclusive interview with The Standard, Raila said he had deliberately chosen not to be drawn into a war of words over some of the issues.
"I have been very tolerant and measured in my reactions to the wild and outrageous allegations that have been made against me, particularly regarding the International Criminal Court," he said.
Allies of Deputy PM Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto have attacked Raila and ODM at several prayer rallies for allegedly âcelebratingâ the confirmation of charges against the two at the ICC.
Pure Propaganda
"The rallies are basically platforms for political agitation and propaganda," Raila said in an interview at his Harambee House office.
