Elect leaders true to new law, Raila urges

Prime Minister Raila Odinga addresses a public rally at Unoa Sports Ground at Wote in Makueni March 11, 2011. He urged Kenyans to elect leaders who are committed to implementing the new constitution to the letter in the next elections. SULEIMAN MBATIAH 

By DAVE OPIYO, dopiyo@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Friday, March 11 2011 at 18:43

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged Kenyans to elect leaders committed to implementing the new constitution to the letter in the next elections.

At a rally in Wote town, in Makueni constituency Friday, the PM said this was the only way the country will develop and be equated to the Asian tigers like Singapore.

He said it was only the new constitution that opened avenues for massive development which will be seen after the next general elections.

“I therefore ask you to thoroughly scrutinise those who will offer themselves for various leadership positions in the country. Vote only for those who respect and will implement the new laws to the letter,” said the PM.

Mr Odinga said the new constitution will change the ways through which Kenyans are governed and thanked the region for voting for it.

“The benefits of this new constitution are immense. It will safeguard your land rights, bring the governments closer to the people amongst others,” he said.

“The difference between the new and old constitution are immense. It is like day and night. I promise you that you will notice the difference on how the country is governed after the 2012 general elections.”

Mr Odinga once again lashed out at leaders who were out to divide the country along tribal lines.

Without mentioning names, Mr Odinga said: “If you want to rule the country with the support of three communities and isolate the others, you are mistaken,” he said.

“What will happen to the isolated communities? This is tribalism that we kicked out of the country several years ago.

Similar remarks were also made by Regional Development minister Fred Gumo who said the country required leaders who will take the country forward without any fear.

“The country must move forward. We cannot do so with coward leaders,” he said.

He told the Kamba community that it used to have strong leaders like Paul Ngei and wondered what happened.

“I support Raila because he is not a coward,” he said.

Apart from Mr Gumo, the PM was also accompanied by Cabinet ministers Mohammed Elmi (Northern Kenya) and Dalmas Otieno (Public Service). Also in the entourage was Youth Assistant minister Wavinya Ndeti.

Conspicuously absent was Water minister Charity Ngilu.

Mr Odinga praised Mrs Ngilu saying she had performed well despite the fact she had little resources at her disposal.

He said the Kitui Central MP, who is being investigated by Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (Kacc) for alleged graft in her ministry should carry on with her good work of providing water to those who did not have access to the precious commodity.

“Ngilu did well to bring water to areas where it is needed most,” said the Prime Minister.

“She has tried in the face of little resources.

“You cannot compare the water needs of those from Ukambani and say Kericho where it rains almost on a daily basis. The only regions that deserve more attention is Ukambani, North Eastern and other arid regions,” said Mr Odinga.

Mr Odinga also addressed rallies in Matiliku and Emali areas in Makueni constituency. He was due to address another rally in Kibwezi constituency.

He assessed the drought situation in the region and distributed relief food to the affected families. The area has been hit hard by the drought currently ravaging parts of the country.

The Premier also announced several measures that will be taken by the government to ensure that Kenyans affected by the drought do not suffer.

This includes the drilling of several boreholes to ensure those affected have enough water.

“After two years, things will be different here. You shall have the precious commodity in plenty,” he promised.

Mr Odinga further said that relief food will constantly be supplied by the Special Programmes ministry until they harvested their own food.

 All schools in the drought prone areas, he went on, will be put under the feeding programme to ensure that children will not sleep hungry.

“We shall also provide drought resistant seedlings by next week. I also encourage you to embrace the cultivation of cotton as it will in future bring in good returns,” he added.

Wote town is in the Ukambani backyard of Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.