Lawyer Miguna Miguna has accused opposition leader Raila Odinga of doublespeak to keep his support base intact following his bid for African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship.
In a statement, Miguna criticized Raila for his sentiments regarding the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report which has been rejected by a section of Azimio Coalition leaders.
He slammed Raila for asking President William Ruto to implement the report without any change while other Azimio politicians are rooting for the opposite.
“While at his base of Kibra Slums, Raila demanded that President Ruto implements the NADCO report without alterations,” Miguna said.
“Meanwhile, on the same day somewhere in Trans Nzoia, ODM deputy leader and Raila’s endorsed successor, Wycliffe Oparanya demanded that Ruto must not implement the NADCO report without changes.”
Raila 2027 Presidency
The lawyer said Raila is trying to ensure he remains relevant in his strongholds like Kibra as he prepares to vie for presidency in the next polls.
“He also said that he is ‘going nowhere’ and that he will be back to vie for the presidency in 2027, ‘if the people recall him.’ Raila has mastered all the tricks of keeping his cows tethered with sisal strings,” Miguna stated.
Speaking in Kibra on Saturday, March 9, the opposition chief challenged Ruto to prioritize IEBC reconstruction among other key issues in the NADCO report.
He stated that he will talk to President Ruto to ensure both sides cooperate in implementation of the report.
Raila said Kenyans can still recall him to view for the presidency in 2027 even if he wins the AUC Chairperson post.
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“I’ll be around here; I am not going to be away. I’ll continue to ensure that things are working in Kenya. I will work for the continent of Africa but at the same time work for Kenya. Wakati ikifika,mkiniita nitaitika (I will answer if you call when the time comes),” Raila said.
Speaking in Kakamega, a section of opposition leaders led by Safina party leader Jimi Wanjigi asked Kenyans to reject the implementation of the NADCO report until it addresses their plight.
Wanjigi explained that Kenyans are suffering, and they were ready to fight for their rights.
“There are taxes that hurt Kenyans including issues to do with the economy. What you are seeing today is the beginning of a platform where we ae saying we can no longer take this anymore,” said Wanjigi.
Wamalwa Rejects Report
Besides, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa refused to endorse the NADCO report citing the omission of the issue of cost of living.
While 9 out of the 10 committee members signed, Wamalwa dissented citing the government’s unwillingness to tackle the issue.
“I felt we didn’t do justice to the single most important issue among the give issues that we discussed which was the cost of living. If you read the report, you find that there was serious disagreement on that issue. This is an issue touching every Kenyan and things have just gotten worse,” Wamalwa explained.
Wamalwa said the report prioritized issues benefiting the political class neglecting that which concerns Kenyans.
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Raila on Cost of Living
While receiving the report on March 8, Raila admitted that the document was not perfect but was good for the country.
According to Raila, if fully implemented, NADCO report offers an opportunity for peace and reforms that will ensure stability in future.
He revealed that the issue of cost of living was of importance to the Azimio Coalition, but they agreed to leave it for the government.
“There are things we agreed to disagree on and that includes the issue of the cost of living which is of much importance to us. The government’s side demanded that we leave that matter to them, and we agreed for the purposes of helping my country to move forward,” he said.
However, he stated that opposition will continue to press the government to lower the cost of living.
