ODM’s Philip Etale attacked online over post that Raila must be President

ODM communication boss Philip Etale. (Photo: Courtesy)

ODM’s statement that it will ensure Raila Odinga becomes the fifth Kenyan President has elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans.

Some Kenyans on Sunday blasted the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Director of Communications, Philip Etale, saying that the Raila should accept defeat and move on.

“Stop misusing this word "must" you've there's nothing else that will stop Uhuru to be the president for the next five yrs, you just have to live with the bitter truth,” Mkwa David posted on social media.

Others lauded the National Super Alliance (NASA) leader and asked him to continue with his fight against dictatorship displayed by the Jubilee regime.

Etale dismissed reports that NASA had rethought of its plan to swear in Raila on Tuesday, November 28.

“Forget newspaper headlines. Forget so called 'sources close to baba'. Forget Government propaganda through sections of the media. Forget any diversionary tactics by Jubilee and their agencies... the resolve by the people of Kenya is one... baba must be President,” Etale posted on his Twitter handle.

Earlier reports had indicated that the Opposition leader rejected plans by NASA leaders to proceed with the swearing in saying that it would taint his image.

President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday (November 24, 2017) invited the NASA leader to his inauguration on Tuesday, November 28.

The Head of State also invited other presidential candidates who participated in the August 8 General Election and October 26 repeat presidential election.

“The seven other presidential candidates and their running mates in the last presidential election have been invited for the ceremony,” Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua said on Friday.

Mr Kinyua urged the Opposition to cancel its plan to swear in Raila and engage the Government in issues affecting Kenyans.

"As a people who would want us to move together as one, we will plead that it is not necessary to have any other public function that day. We can bring out the issues we want discussed later.  We should all work towards a cohesive, united Kenyan society," said Kinyua.

Kinyua is the chairman of the 22-member Assumption of Office of the President Committee.

The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the re-election of Uhuru paving way for his swearing in for second term in office.

The court nullified the August 8 election on account of illegalities and irregularities.

Among the faults found by the highest court in the land is lack of proper transmission system and at the same time use of forms which did not have security features.

This time, the court unanimously upheld President Uhuru’s re-election throwing out the petitions on grounds that they were not merited.