Oloo, Nyong’o differ on who should speak first at Prof Ochieng’s funeral

By RUSHDIE OUDIA and ISAIAH GWENGI

Siaya: The secretary generals of the two main political coalitions yesterday clashed over the performance of the Jubilee Government at a funeral in Siaya County.

ODM’s Anyang’ Nyong’o and his TNA counterpart Onyango Oloo differed at the burial of renowned scholar William Ochieng.

Nyong’o accused the Jubilee coalition of failing to deliver on the promises they made during last year’s campaigns. He said the President has sidelined the youth in recent appointments.

The Kisumu Senator, who declined to talk before Oloo delivered President Kenyatta’s speech, said only the third liberation would save the country from such protocol issues.

There was a stand-off between the two, prompting Nyong’o to clarify that he came in his capacity as an academician and would not follow any protocol.

Third liberation

He went ahead and sat downbut spoke after Oloo had delivered the President’s speech.

Oloo fought back, claiming it was disheartening for the opposition to call for the third liberation yet they campaigned for the new Constitution.

He asserted that the Jubilee coalition is following the Constitution in everything it does. He asked CORD not to run away from the truth. “The opposition has lost in two consecutive elections and therefore should not lie to Kenyans,” said Oloo adding that, whenever they (Cord) fail in delivering promises, they use lack of democracy as an excuse.

He advised the opposition to discharge its duty to check the government, as enshrined in the Constitution.

The TNA secretary general said when Kenyans elected the President, they gave him the mandate to make appointments. He however said there was need to have both the old and the young.

More appointments

“This will inculcate experience in steering development agenda in the country,” said Oloo. He defended his decision to hold two positions claiming that he is ready to dispense his duties adequately in both capacities.

Oloo dismissed claims that he should relinquish his party position, saying he is not a state officer.

He urged Kenyans to be patient, saying the President is yet to make other appointments.

Speaker after speaker eulogised the fallen scholar, with President Kenyatta saying he learned the death of Ochieng with deep sorrow. “Ochieng was profound, provocative in nature and a one man resource centre,” said the President in his speech adding that his example should be emulated.