PM's supporters censure Uhuru over remarks on stalemate

By Mutinda Mwanzia
Fifty professionals from South Rift have defended Prime Minister Raila Odinga against accusations he was to blame for the stalemate over the nomination of three constitutional office holders.
The professionals drawn from Kajiado and Narok counties criticised Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta for daring Raila to a popularity contest. They termed Uhuru a political lightweight compared to the PM.
"In fact, it is ridiculous for Uhuru to think that he measures up to Raila when his party Kanu performed dismally in the last elections. The number of his MPs is not even worth mentioning," said Joseph Sonkori, the chairman of the professional groups.
Sonkori said the nomination of Justice Alnashir Visram as Chief Justice, Prof Githu Muigai as Attorney General and Kioko Kilukumi as the Director of Public Prosecutions was unconstitutional.
Five city ODM councillors led by Kassim Jaffer also told Uhuru off, adding he was no match for Raila.
"Uhuru is joking and should pick his fights wisely," said Jaffer.
He urged Uhuru to concentrate on revamping Kanu as its fortunes had dwindled.
Uhuru’s call
Yesterday, Sonkori who led the professionals at a news conference in a Nairobi hotel, dared Uhuru to live up to the popularity contest duel with Raila adding his stab at the presidency in 2002 was enough evidence of his capability.
"He failed to win the top seat that time despite the massive support and State resources at his disposal," said Sonkori.
On Thursday, Uhuru led Cabinet ministers allied to the Party of National Unity, and about 30 MPs to react angrily to the ruling by Speaker Kenneth Marende and accused Raila for the crisis surrounding the nominations, accusing him of dictating on the matter.
Uhuru challenged Raila to a popularity contest in the House to gauge who had the majority of MPs by their side.
"If indeed the Prime Minister commands a majority in the House, let’s test it in the House then," Uhuru told a news conference at Parliament buildings.