I deserve State privileges, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga says

By GEOFFREY MOSOKU

Nairobi, Kenya: Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has maintained that he deserves State privileges but says it is up to the Jubilee Government to decide if they accord him or not.

Raila, whose driver was withdrawn two days ago said that as a co-principal with retired president Mwai Kibaki, he rightly deserved to be given security and other aides.

 “I am a Prime Minister; I’ve been a Prime Minister and a co-partner in a government in this country. I deserve certain privileges,” Raila said at JKIA Nairobi on Wednesday night upon arrival from the USA.

He had traveled with Cord allied Governors to meet potential investors in the US.  The Cord leader at the same time dismissed Government spokesman Muthui Kariuki who has since accused him of holding onto state cars.  

 “As you know, the government minister has disowned that statement and I believe on the minister not the spokesman,” he said referring to remarks made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku who has since contradicted Muthui’s allegations.

The Cord leader indicated he will demand an explanation from government about the withdrawal of some of his security and those of other opposition leaders, John Lonyangapuo , Otieno Kajwang, Janet Ongera and Johnstone Muthama.

"I was away and just heard about these developments but I want to wait for an explanation from government before I can comment," he said.

Raila’s driver of 14 years Philip Juma was among those recalled after Prisons Commissioner General Isaiah Osugo complied with a circular from the office of the president that directed all prisons warders attached to VIPs return to their stations.  

On Wednesday, West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo demanded an explanation for the decision when he raised the matter on the floor of the senate during debate.