Sunday, March 6, 2011

PM Raila dismisses Uhuru, Ruto abuse claims



Written By:Elizepher Wankuru/statement,    Posted: Sun, Mar 06, 2011

Prime minister Raila Odinga
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed claims that he publicly insulted Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto.
In a statement, Raila clarified that two weeks ago, during a rally at the Machakos Country Bus station, he talked in general terms, asking young Kenyans to avoid pitfalls like drunkenness, corruption and theft if they aspire to lead the country.
Raila expressed shock that some politicians have come out to specifically claim that he referred to them as thieves and drunkards. The Prime minister said he never mentioned any specific thief or drunkard.
The Prime Minister said that during the rally he also warned the youth against taking shortcuts to wealth and against equating ill-gotten wealth to leadership acumen.
The PM said His message to the youth was that if they work hard and play by the rules, their country should give them a chance to go as far as their God-given ability can take them.
Raila said he continues to acknowledge the youth as a significant component of the society that has brought vigour and fresh views in the struggles for a better Kenya but he rejected the notion that being young alone is a leadership quality.
The Prime Minister also rejected the idea that all Kenyans need to seek circumcision and prove that they are circumcised before they can go for leadership.
On the maize scandal, Raila said none of his family members or him and associates were involved in the scandal as claimed in the leaked cables from the US Embassy in Nairobi.
He noted that some politicians are clutching to the leaked cables from the US Embassy to claim that he or his family were involved in the 2009 maize scandal.
Meanwhile
Political leaders from Pokot and Turkana Counties are urging the National Integration and Cohesion Commission to act upon all political leaders implicated in hate speech without favour.
The leaders who were speaking in Kitale where they were attending a three day seminar on devolved government said the commission chairman; Mr. Mzalendo Kibunjia should act upon powerful people in the country who were spreading hate speech.
The leaders who included Information and Communications minister Samuel Poghisio, Assistant minister Asman Kamama, Ekwee Ethuro, Wilson Litole and Josephat Nanok said the commission was formed with the aim of ensuring that all people who spread hate speech are arrested and charged in accordance with the law.
Mr.Kamama pointed out that this was the time for the commission to walk the talk , adding that  writing letters to those accused of hate speech will always make them undermine the commission's work.

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