Raila, Museveni in unity gesture in Kisumu visit

By ANDERSON OJWANG’ and KEPHER OTIENO

Prime Minister Raila Odinga made a bold political statement in his quest to be the country’s fourth president by hosting Uganda President Yoweri Museveni to a warm reception in Kisumu.

Raila rode with Museveni from the Kisumu International Airport, through Oginga Odinga Street to the main bus stop, and Kondele, where they addressed crowds.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (seated) is installed as a Luo elder by Opiyo Otondi at Great Lakes University of Kisumu, on Saturday. [PHOTO: TITUS MUNALA/STANDARD]

Speaking in Kibuye and Kondele President Museveni said he had come to build strong ties and that is why he had come to fund raise for the Great Lakes University.

"We share a lot in common with the people of Nyanza and that is why I am a strong proponent of political federation for East Africa," he said.

Political exile

Speaking at Great Lakes University in Kisumu, Raila revisited the long-standing friendship between the Odingas and Museveni and how the latter helped him escape in his final and last political asylum in the 1990.

"President Museveni and I share close ties. The story of my life could have taken a different turn had he not been the President of Uganda at the time I was a political exile," the PM said.

Raila said Museveni used to come to Kisumu, and it was from here that he launched a successful revolution in Uganda. He said he escaped to Uganda through Lake Victoria, as Kenya security officers were pursuing him.

Raila changed names in the course of his escape, entering Uganda as ‘Joe Wadeya’. An emotional Raila said he received a message from President Museveni that he would be given protection, and that he would facilitate his travel to a country of his choice. "I got my documents of travel in the name of Haji Omar and I thank President Museveni for this."

Raila told the crowd that they wanted to build economic and political unity.

Raila has been on the political mend in his quest for president. He hosted President Kibaki on February 2, during the official opening of the Kisumu International Airport. The Head of State was installed as a Luo elder, when he visited the lakeside city.

Absent at the function was Deputy Prime Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, who is challenging Raila for the ODM presidential ticket.

President Kibaki was expected to award the university a charter at the funds drive, but postponed the function to a later date.

Internal Security Minister George Saitoti represented President Kibaki at the function.

Museveni challenged East African countries to exploit agri-business to attain food security.

He said it was wrong for African countries to keep huge parcels of land idle and yet they were complaining of food deficits.

‘’We have to explore agri-business by optimising land use," said Museveni.

Museveni donated Sh8.2 million to the Great Lakes University Education Trust Fund. President Kibaki sent Sh2 million through Prof Saitoti. Raila donated of Sh1 million.

Ministers Margaret Kamar, Paul Otuoma, Anyang’ Nyong’o, James Orengo, Dalmas Otieno, Musa Sirma, assistant ministers, and MPs were present.