Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta (centre) Limuru MP Peter Mwathi (left) and Kikuyu MP Lewis Nguyai (right) during a prayer meeting at Kwambira shopping in Limuru March 26, 2011. ERIC WAINAINA
By BENJAMIN MUINDI bmuindi@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Saturday, March 26 2011 at 17:30
Posted Saturday, March 26 2011 at 17:30
Prime Minister Raila Odinga came under scathing attack from Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Eldoret North MP William Ruto and politicians allied to them Saturday.
The politicians tore into Mr Odinga accusing him of using the International Criminal Court (ICC) process to eliminate opponents and terming him an unfit leader at various stop-overs during a tour of Meru.
Mr Kenyatta said Mr Odinga’s past record in politics had proved that he was not prepared to take over the presidency in 2012. He said that he plotted to overthrow the government during the aborted 1982 coup.
“Raila went to detention because he attempted to overthrow the government,” Mr Kenyatta said.
“How can one lead the country when he does not have confidence in it and the people?”
Accompanied by Mr Ruto and five Cabinet ministers, Mr Kenyatta said the clamour for the International Criminal Court (ICC) was not sincere by Mr Odinga.
“Mr Odinga has decided to eliminate his opponents (in the presidential race) using the ICC, but in 2012, it is Kenyans who will decide and not Ocampo,” he said.
He maintained that he would cooperate with the court.
“We are not afraid and I have always said we will go to The Hague and we are going to come back. I have nothing to fear because those who fear are the ones who know they are guilty, he said at Kinoru stadium.
He was accompanied by Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi, assistant ministers Kareke Mbiuki (Agriculture), Peter Munya (East African Community), Mwangi Kiunjuri (Public Works) and Ferdinard Waititu (Water).
MPs Cyrus Muriuki (Imenti North), Mithika Linturi (Igembe South), William Kabogo (Juja), Peter Mwathi (Limuru) and Nominated MP Maishomo Leshomo.
Mr Kenyatta said that if the PM had conceded defeat in 2007 General Elections, there wouldn’t have been any bloodshed.
“In 2002, we were defeated and accepted defeat. No violence broke out out, but in 2007, Raila vied, was beaten, refused to accept defeat and called for violence.”
Mr Ruto, who joined the team later, accused Mr Odinga and ODM secretary general Prof Anyang’ Ny’ong’o of holding sway over the rest of the party members.
"ODM has decided that the Ocampo Six be tried locally but Mr Odinga and Prof Ny’ong’o have vetoed,” he said.
"ODM is no longer a party, it is a sect with an idol who must be worshipped,” Mr Ruto said.
He reiterated his rejection of legal aid by ODM likening the move to "a hyena promising defence to goats".
He went on: It is clear who wont be president come 2012."
Mr Murungi said that the ICC process hinged on the next polls.
"If the worst comes to the worst, we will elect Uhuru even when he is away (at The Hague).”
Addressing the rally, Mr Munya said that no Kenyan should be tried abroad.
Mr Muriuki said although the provinces of Eastern and Central did not experience post-election violence, yet their leaders - Mr Kenyatta and Head of Public Service Francis Muthaura – were summoned by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
ICC prosecutor Louis Moreno-Ocampo blames the two leaders for planning retaliatory attacks in the Rift Valley.
Mr Kenyatta, Mr Muthaura and former Police Commissioner Hussein Ali are expected at The Hague over their role in the post election violence April 8.
A day earlier, Mr Ruto, Tinderet MP Henry Kosgey and radio presenter Joshua Sang are expected to honour their date.
The leaders said Kikuyu community elders joined hands to help the people who were being evicted during the chaos which left about 1, 133 dead and over 650, 000 uprooted from their homes.
Mr Kenyatta said they were sure that they would win the ICC battle and real suspects will be summoned, saying that they are well known.
Lari MP David Njuguna urged the six suspects to remain strong, saying there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
Additional reporting by Eric Wainana
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