PM: I will work with Kibaki

Prime Minister Raila Odinga addresses locals at Meru Town on his way to officially open Meru -Mikinduri-Maua road Phase I February 12, 2011. He assured Kenyans that the coalition government will hold together .PMPS 

By CHARLES WANYORO

Posted Saturday, February 12 2011 at 12:11

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has started his tour of Meru with the promise that he will work together with President Kibaki.

Addressing Chuka residents shortly after landing, Mr Odinga said he had no differences with the President and said he is sure the coalition will hold together until the next elections.

Turning to ODM politics, Mr Odinga said that the rebel MPs were seeking publicity and had no intention of quitting the party. The PM has, on more than one occasion, dared the legislators led by deputy party leader William Ruto to leave the party and seek a fresh mandate.

Mr Odinga said his visit to Meru should not be misconstrued as he had come in peace and had no fitina (problem ) with anyone.

Chuka mayor John Mbabu told the PM that President Kibaki had assured locals that the road leading to the town would be tarmacked but nothing has been dome. Mr Odinga promised to look into the matter.

In Meru, he is expected to inspect the status of the Mikinduri- Meru road, which is under construction and open the ODM office.

Mr Odinga is accompanied by ministers: Joe Nyagah (Cooperatives), James Orengo (Lands) and Fred Gumo (Regional Development). Other ODM MPs are expected to join him in Meru.

Conspicuously absent was area MP Kareke Mbiuki, who has made good the threat of the larger Meru region MPs to boycott the PM's tour.

The chairman of the Meru Parliamentary Group Silas Muriuki told the Nation earlier in the week that the MPs had resolved to keep off the visits since they were not involved in its planning.

However, Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara is not party to the boycott since he skipped the Tuesday meeting between the MPs and Civil Service boss Francis Muthaura where the move was mooted.

The two principals have differed over the nominations of four top state jobs with Mr Odinga saying no consultations took place as provided for in the constitution and the National Accord.

Two week ago, President Kibaki nominated Justice Alnashir Visram as the next Chief Justice, Prof Githu Muigai (Attorney General), Kioko Kilukumi (Director of Public Prosecutions) and William Kirwa (Controller of Budget).

The issue raised a storm with civil society, lawyers and MPs condemning the move. Already, a court has ruled the nominations illegal and two Parliamentary committees are expected to table their reports next week.