I deserve security just like Mwai Kibaki, says Raila Odinga

Kenya: CORD and ODM leader Raila Odinga says he deserves security and privileges equal to those granted former President Mwai Kibaki.

Raila was Kenya‘s Prime Minister and Kibaki‘s co-principal in the Grand Coalition Government, whose term ended in March last year.

Last week in Kwale, Lengo Karisa Mudzomba attacked the CORD leader and Governor Salim Mvurya with a cane. The PM and Mr Mvurya said they wouldnot press charges against the man, but the case will be mentioned on Tuesdaybefore a court in Kwale. On Sunday, Raila said the Jubilee Government was aware that his security was not up to the required standards but had chosen to play politics with the matter.

"Kibaki is enjoying all the privileges yet as a co-principal in the Grand Coalition Government, I am being denied the same, including security," said Raila.

The ODM leader claimed that the State failed to provide him with vehicles and fuel, making it difficult for his limited security personnel to operate efectively.

He alleged that there were persistent attempts by the Government to embarrass him and deny him his rights, but said that although he was speaking out about it, he would not attempt to force the Government to do the right thing.

Raila cited delays by the Government to push for the debate of a Bill seeking to give him and other former senior State officials retirement packages just like Kibaki.

The Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Bill, 2013 sponsored by Suba MP John Mbadi, but which has Government backing, proposes tens of millions of shillings in retirement perks for former top officials.

Raila and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka would be among the first beneficiaries, and each would get Sh84 million a year as pension, salaries for their workers and vehicle maintenance, should the Bill become law.

PROPOSED LAW

The Bill proposes cars, office and domestic workers, fully equipped offices and diplomatic passports for retired presidents and their deputies and families.

Opposition MPs have accused the Government of frustrating the Bill by failing to slot it for debate in the House.

The Government-dominated House Business Committee is tasked with scheduling the agenda for the House. At one point, the proposed law was the subject of heated exchanges between ruling coalition MPs and the Opposition.

The State team suggested that the Bill should have a conditional clause that beneficiaries should not engage in active politics, but that was seen by the Opposition as targeting Raila and Kalonzo.

PLANNED INCIDENT

The CORD leader claimed the Kwale incident where Mr Mudzomba caned him at a pro-referendum rally was planned.

Speaking during the funeral of Mama Rispah Arwa Ombaka, mother-in-law to Siaya Woman Representative Christine Ombaka at the weekend, Raila questioned the manner in which the Government is handling the incident.

"Neither Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya nor I are complainants in the case.

"I am wondering who then is the complainant now that the case is still ongoing," Raila said, reiterating that they had forgiven Mudzomba.

The case will be mentioned on Tuesday before a Kwale court. 

Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga challenged National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale to allow the enactment of Mbadi's Bill.

Raila's brother and nominated MP Oburu Oginga renewed his claim that Raila's life was in danger and that the former PM needed more security.

"I have complained many times about my brother Raila's life being in danger, yet the Government does not take me seriously and refused to even record my statement," alleged Oburu.

Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo accused Jubilee of not according the former PM the respect he deserves, claiming that Deputy President William Ruto had insulted Raila on many occasions.

"Ruto has been going round calling Raila "yule jamaa wa vitendawili" (The man of riddles) which is disrespectful to the former PM," said Midiwo.

Siaya Senator James Orengo said it was important that Raila's security be reviewed because the former PM is a darling to many and mingles freely with crowds, thus putting him in danger.

"Raila, these obstacles should not dampen your spirits, soldier on my brother," said Orengo.

The former PM's aide Eliud Owalo alleged a Jubilee leader was behind the Kwale attack on Raila and Mvurya and that the assailant had been paid to commit the offence.