CORD MPs accuse Jubilee of scheme to weaken Opposition

Nyanza, Kenya: Some MPs allied to the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) in Nyanza now claim Jubilee government has hatched a plot to weaken the Opposition

They alleged implicating Siaya Senator James Orengo in the Lamu land saga and the remarks by some Jubilee leaders that they had evidence linking Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang' to abuse when he served as Immigration minister was part of a wider plan to ensure Raila quits active politics.

Mr Orengo and Mr Kajwang' are some of Raila's closest allies who also command a lot of respect in Nyanza.

Speaking to The Standard, MPs Olago Aluoch (Kisumu East), Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache South), Sylvance Osele (Kabondo Kasipul) and Junnet Mohammed (Suna East) claimed the ruling alliance was on smear campaign against CORD leaders disguised as fighting corruption.

Diversionary tactics

Junnet said the Government was trying to portray Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as the genesis of all the problems facing the country yet former President Mwai Kibaki's Party of National Unity was part of the Grand Coalition Government.

"It is shocking that the scandals involving ministers on Kibaki's side are not being mentioned yet we are well aware that even some leaders in the current Government were  implicated in graft," he said.

He accused Jubilee of trying to shift attention from the challenges bedevilling the country and the Opposition's call for a national referendum to address the problems.

Olago said onslaught against CORD leaders was aimed at blackmailing Raila loyalists to weaken the Opposition that has heightened pressure on the Government to fulfill its pledges.

"If the Government is really genuine in its fight against corruption, it should let the authorities with the legal mandate to investigate the issues raised do their work," he stated.