Raila to Uhuru: I’ve nothing personal against Devolution CS Anne Waiguru

President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga were tickled during the silver jubilee celebrations of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu held at Uzima University grounds, Kisumu County. [Photo: Collins Oduor/Standard]

Opposition leader Raila Odinga had a message for President Uhuru Kenyatta when he toured Kisumu Monday: his criticism of Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru and the National Youth Service was not motivated by malice or personal vendetta.

Speaking about the influential CS whom the President has cushioned against accusations levelled against her, arguing investigations were ongoing, Raila insisted his team’s desire was to ensure accountability in spending of public funds.

It was the first time President Kenyatta and the former Prime Minister were sharing a podium since the Opposition began the crusade to have the Head of State suspend Waiguru, whom State House defended last week, arguing she was not under investigations for the attempted Sh800 million fraud at NYS.

Raila has also been at the forefront of calls for Deputy President William Ruto to step aside over his own concession that he is part of the ownership of Weston Hotel, which critics argue was built on land hived off that of Wilson Airport in Nairobi.

The President has previously insisted the two demands by the Opposition were part of a smear campaign against his administration ahead of the planned visit to the country by Pope Francis and US President Barack Obama.

Speaking Monday during celebrations to mark 25 years of Kisumu Catholic Archdiocese at Uzima University Grounds, Kisumu County, Raila told the Head of State he was not opposed to the project as had been suggested by a senator from the president’s party, The National Alliance.

President Kenyatta argued politicians needed to know that even if they belonged to different political parties, they served the same country. “Belonging to different political parties does not amount to being enemies. It only means that we have different manifestos and approaches which are aimed at developing the same country and improving the lives of the same Kenyans,” he added.

“I am the one who brought NYS in this country and no one should cheat you, Mr President, that I am opposing the project. What we want is transparency. I have women’s interest at heart and that is why I am at the forefront advocating for the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule,” argued Raila.

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy leader, who has recently kept up the pressure on the President and his Jubilee administration over corruption, handling of security and alleged skewed appointments in top State jobs, told President Uhuru that the Opposition was ready to work with the Government on development projects.

President Kenyatta however steered clear of the NYS saga when he spoke at the Church event, instead urging the Opposition to avoid political rhetoric and unite with the Government to develop the country.

TNA nominated Senator Joy Gwendo had claimed those opposing the NYS project were ‘enemies of women’, prompting Raila’s response. “This project is changing lives of many youths, especially women,” Gwendo had insisted.

Sabotage project

While addressing residents earlier during a stop-over on his way from Kisumu International Airport, the President asked politicians and church leaders “to stop opposing every government project just for the sake of it”.

President Kenyatta said his government was considering extending the period of the project which is being undertaken in some informal settlements in Nairobi and Kisumu.

He asked leaders not to try to sabotage the project through politics.

“We will expand the initiative to provide employment to our youths and transform the face of the slums. We should keep politics out of this initiative, which is seeking to transform our lives and fight poverty. This initiative should not divide us,” said the President.

At Kondele, President Uhuru stopped over for five minutes and walked on foot for about 10 metres before getting into his official vehicle to Uzima University.

Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura said: “Our people are happy because this project is changing their lives. We must never bring politics in(to) initiatives which are seeking to improve the livelihoods of our people.”

Bishop Zacchaeus Okoth of Kisumu diocese called for unity among leaders in the country to steer development to every part of the nation. “Let us accept the ruling government, support multiparty democracy and accept diverse ideas since in politics, we have no permanent enemies,” he said.

Nyakach MP Joshua Aduma (ODM) called on Uhuru and Raila to work together as they shared common political heritage and history. Others leaders who attended the function included governors Jack Ranguma (Kisumu) Cornel Rasanga (Siaya) and Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay).