ANSWERS: What has NASA flagbearer Raila Odinga done for Kenya?

Jubilee leaders have engaged in propagating lies about Raila Odinga as we head towards the August 8 elections.

They have been questioning what Raila has done for this country to deserve the presidency. They have conveniently forgotten Raila was a co-principal in the coalition government when the economy was stable and grew at an average of seven per cent.

The inflation rate was also below five per cent and the rate of unemployment was generally low compared to the present state of affairs. The cost of living was not as high then.

Further, many of the key infrastructural projects such as the Thika Super-Highway and the Isiolo-Moyale road were built by the grand coalition government in which Raila served. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) was conceived, designed and procured by the Raila-Kibaki administration.

These projects, among many others, are well captured in Kenya Vision 2030, which was then under Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o who was the minister for Planning. Jubilee should give credit where it is due. They are working hard to be recognised for the SGR, which in any case is inferior to the electric version Raila and Kibaki envisaged. It is also important to remind the Jubilee spin doctors that Raila has been at the forefront in fighting for democratisation and better governance in Kenya.

His contribution towards deletion of the infamous Section 2A as well as development of the Constitution is clear to any Kenyan who cares to remember and appreciate our recent history.

In fact, the 2010 Constitution, reputed to be among the most progressive in the world, was promulgated during the Raila-Kibaki tenure.

Jubilee should tell Kenyans why they failed to fulfill their promises instead of tarnishing Raila’s name.