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- Jan 30, 2008
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Raila asks Western to back his bid, promises change
PM Raila Odinga addressing a CORD rally at Muliro Gardens in Kakamega Town, Friday
By Peter atsiaya
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed his opponents in Jubilee Coalition as individuals who would not be trusted with the country's leadership.
Speaking at Muliro Gardens in Kakamega town on the first day of his three days campaigns in western on Friday Raila said the two principals in the Jubilee were looters who should be ignored.
He said Jubilee presidential candidate and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and his running mate William Ruto would not live to their slogan Kusema na Kutenda (To say and do).
"Wengine wanatuambia kusema na kutenda…watatenda nini, (They are pledging to deliver on their promises, what will they deliver?" asked Raila amid cheers from the crowd.
The PM revisited the flopped deal between Uhuru and DPM Musalia Mudavadi adding that the move showed the level of dishonesty between Ruto and Uhuru.
Leaders to trust
"You all know what they did to Mudavadi. Are these leaders you can bank on to transform this nation?" posed the PM.
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula, Cabinet ministers Wycliffe Oparanya, Ababu Namwamba, Henry Kosgey, Paul Otuoma and Fred Gumo, MPs Johnstone Muthama, Cyrus Jirongo, David Were, Sospeter Ojamoong, Richard Onyonka and former Attorney General Amos Wako accompanied Raila. Raila once again condemned MPs for awarding themselves Sh9.3 million send off package.
"I am opposed to the hefty package MPs awarded themselves and I have written to President Kibaki asking him not to assent to the Bill," he added.
Raila's tour in the area has heightened political temperature in Western Province as Mudavadi plans to hold a similar rally at the same venue today.
The PM told his supporters from the region to be wary of a scheme by his opponents to divide their votes to deny him presidency.
"My opponents have turned our countries tribal… they are telling you not to vote for me and support one of your own. Such tribal politics are for the past," he added.
Raila and Kalonzo condemned the Tana Killings and asked the Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to act tough on those behind the merciless killings of innocent people.
Welfare scheme
The PM noted that CORD government would set up the Old People's Social Security Networks Programme starting from June this year to give money to the elderly every end month.
"Elders aged 65 years and above would be benefitting from this fund because we realised they have been ignored and were living in poverty.
He pointed out that he would restructure the Youth and Women Funds to ensure they change their lives of the beneficiaries. "We would give priority to rights of citizens as stipulated in the constitutions," he added.
Kalonzo noted that he was happy to join hands with Raila once again to reform the country.
"I was at this grounds last December but you were not as many. I have confirmed that Raila has a lot of following here," said Kalonzo amid laughter. He added that the Constitution would guide CORD government.
The VP told Kenyans to shun leaders who were out to use them for their selfish gains. "You are aware that our opponents wants to use Kenya to serve their interests and not to serve Kenya. Reject them," he said.
Jirongo said his alliance with Raila would win the next elections.
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?art...asks-Western-to-back-his-bid,-promises-change