Be wary of ‘KKK’ leaders, says Raila

Eric Bosire | PMPS Prime Minister Raila Odinga is received by local leaders at Marsabit airstrip while on a two-day visit to northern Kenya. The PM visited Marsabit and North Horr constituencies. 

Posted Monday, January 24 2011 at 22:07

In Summary

• PM urges Kenyans to reject tribal politics being fronted by those who opposed the new Constitution

Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Monday accused those who campaigned against the new Constitution of regrouping under the KKK alliance.

Mr Odinga urged Kenyans to reject tribal politics.

Speaking at a public baraza at Marsabit Stadium, the PM thanked residents for voting overwhelmingly for the new Constitution last year, adding that the Constitution had given hope to the people.

He, however, asked residents to be wary of those who opposed the new laws, saying they had regrouped under the KKK alliance.

“Nobody should come here and tell you that Borana should unite with Meru and another tribe to go for the presidency. Let us unite as Kenyans,” the PM said

The KKK alliance came under heavy criticism at the Marsabit function.

Deputy Speaker Maalim Farah and former MP Jilo Falana cautioned residents to be wary of leaders who come in the name of tribes.

Mr Odinga launched a Sh490 million national food distribution programme for those affected by the current drought.

The PM, who started a two-day tour of North Eastern Province to assess the extent of drought in the region, also ordered an overhaul of the security personnel in Marsabit County to end the escalation of insecurity.

He said food would be distributed to areas hardest hit by drought. These areas include parts of northern Kenya and Coast. The government has come up with measures to save lives in those regions.

A Cabinet meeting two weeks ago agreed that there should be continuous food distribution in drought-hit areas.

Mr Odinga, who was accompanied by Deputy PM Musalia Mudavadi, four ministers, assistant ministers and MPs, opened a new ODM office in Marsabit.

He said that Marsbit, North Horr, Moyale and Sololo would each receive 1,000 bags of maize, 600 bags of rice, 300 bags of beans and 100 cartons of cooking oil, among other provisions from the government kitty.

He flagged off the distribution of 1,200 bags of rice, 600 bags of beans, and 200 cartons of vegetable oil for Wajir and Garissa districts.

The PM said the government had come up with programmes to permanently alleviate water problems in northern Kenya.

He asked those with lorries to make them available to the government at a fee for water distribution.

Mr Odinga said money had been set aside to buy livestock in drought-hit areas which would be taken to the Kenya Meat Commission. He said livestock would be bought at between Sh10,000 and Sh12,000.