Raila tells Mudavadi he is free to stay or leave ODM

By FRANCIS NGIGE

Prime Minister Raila Odinga appears resigned to losing his Deputy Musalia Mudavadi, who seems determined to defect from ODM.

Although Raila assured Mudavadi of a level playing ground in the party presidential nominations, he said the Deputy Premier was free to decide whether to stay in ODM or leave.

"We cannot force anyone to stay in ODM, if you are dissatisfied with the party you are free to leave, but the party is a mass movement that would remain," said Raila while concluding a two-day tour of Meru on Saturday.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga introduces the daughter of the late JM Kariuki Rosemary Kariuki (right) who attended the rally in Meru town on Saturday. [PHOTO: PMPS]

He added: "We have not chased anyone from ODM because the party does not belong to anyone. It is the property of members. Many people have joined and left ODM, but the party remains strong."

Speaking at Guest Villa in Meru when he hosted area ODM delegates, Raila said most of Mudavadi’s demands have been met.

"The issue of automatic nomination is no longer there as the process of amending the constitution is in the pipeline. They said about nominations at the counties and that is what we shall do," the PM said.

Assuring Mudavadi of fair presidential nominations, Raila said the exercise would be similar to the one held in 2007.

Under siege

"We are not afraid of nominations, if Mudavadi beats me in the primaries, I’m ready to support him. He should also be ready to replicate that if delegates choose me," he said.

Raila reiterated that contrary to media reports, he was not under siege. "I don’t know where this talk is coming from that Raila is beleaguered. I’m under no pressure as what is happening in ODM is healthy," he said.

At the same time, Raila insisted action should be taken against Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere for stopping Limuru IIB meeting. "I’m still wondering why police should bar people from holding a meeting – a constitutional right. This is what we don’t want to see in this new era," he said.

Raila also castigated politicians seeking to use their communities as a stepping-stone to leadership.

In apparent reference to Deputy Prime Uhuru Kenyatta, the PM said some of the leaders seeking to vie for president were still shopping for parties.

Leaders castigated Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko for recommending that criminal chargers be preferred against Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo. Immigration Minister Otieno Kajwang’ and Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba said the decision was meant to intimidate and harass Midiwo.