Raila discounts claims of falling fortunes in ODM

By Biketi Kikechi

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has faith ODM still enjoys widespread support in Rift Valley despite his falling out with Higher Education Minister William Ruto.

He told The Standard on Sunday many members of the Kalenjin community in the region are still in ODM.

Raila addressed fears that ODM was losing ground following poor performance in South Mugirango and Matuga constituencies and that his absence was affecting party performance.

He expressed concern that some leaders were lying to the people in Rift Valley but pointed out that he was ready to work with dissenting party leaders who have been allowed to express their concerns freely.

"We have tolerated dissent and have not expelled anybody from our party despite the fact some have disagreed with the party," said Raila.

The reason for dissent, Raila said, is because such leaders want to isolate one community from ODM for political bargaining.

"Nobody owns a community. The community is bigger than any individual and that is what all Kenyans, including the people of Rift Valley, know," said Raila.

Problems in ODM started immediately after the Grand Coalition Government was established when leaders from the region claimed the party did not assist the youth arrested during post- election violence.

The dissenters claim the region was given a raw deal when Raila and President Kibaki made Cabinet appointments.

Those claims were followed by disagreements over the Waki Report, the need for a local tribunal to try the violence suspects or that they be tried at the International Criminal Court at The Hague.

"We were accused of trying to sell our people to hyenas and yet the country was only debating available options," says Raila.

As debate on the issue raged, the Mau complex conservation generated further ruckus.

"It was used against us. They said we are ungrateful people. Now there is this issue of the draft constitution but the ultimate aim is to isolate the community from us," said Raila.

The Prime Minister called for an investigation into the Matuga results.

"You people in the media should investigate what happened in Matuga. It is the only constituency voters in a by-election have exceeded those who voted in the General Election," said Raila.

The Prime Minister also believes threats against communities with roots from outside Coast Province could have influenced the outcome.