STATEMENT ON ALLEGATIONS BY WILLIAM RUTO, UHURU KENYATTA AND US CABLES:

In light of recent political events that have picked up in earnest since Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s rally at the Country Bus station two weeks ago and recent leaked US diplomatic cable; we wish to make the following clarification:

1: PM NEVER MENTIONED NAMES.

At the Machakos Country Bus stage event, the Prime Minister talked in general terms, asking young Kenyans to avoid pitfalls like drunkenness, corruption and theft if they aspire to lead the country. He warned the youth against taking shortcuts to wealth and against equating ill-gotten wealth to leadership acumen. 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. The Prime Minister never mentioned any specific thief or drunkard. He is therefore shocked and perplexed that since then, some politicians have come out to specifically claim that he referred to them as thieves and drunkards and then he insulted them. The PM stands by his advice to the youth.

2: MAIZE SCANDAL:

The Forensic Audit on this scandal, conducted by Price Water House Coopers, did not mention Mr Odinga or any of his family members and associates as having been involved in this scandal. The PM however notes that some politicians are clutching to the leaked cables from the US Embassy in Nairobi to claim that he or his family may have been involved in the maize scandal of 2009. The PM considers this belated attempt to link him or his family to the scandal an act of desperation by politicians looking for companions in corruption. Mr Ranneberger’s cables clearly went to Washington, DC, before the Price Waterhouse Audit was conducted. The views the ambassador wired were therefore rumours and speculations as he does not say he conducted any investigations on his own that came up with results different from that of the Price Waterhouse.

3: SELECTIVE REJECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF RANNEBERGER REPORTS:

The Wikileaks cables have indicated a general belief that some of the leaders may have been behind the post election violence of 2008. Some of the reports indicate the said leaders have categorically told US officials that they do not want any investigations into the violence either by the International Criminal Court or a local process. The PM sees a continuation of a culture of dishonesty and impunity when leaders who have condemned America and the international community for demanding action on the violence, turn around to accept cable reports on the maize scandal. This selective acceptance and rejection speaks of dishonesty, desperation and impunity.

4: ANTI-REFORM CARTEL OF SUSPECTS SHOUTING THE COUNTRY DOWN:

The Prime Minister believes an anti-reform formation, strengthened by common accusation of having formatted post-election chaos is taking shape in the country to deflect attention from the serious charges they face…crimes against humanity…and to frustrate the implementation of the new constitution. That group of politicians wants to create the impression that Kenya will either collapse or be ungovernable if they are held to account. The PM remains firm that those who planned funded and executed the mass murder and relocation of Kenyans must be determined and punished.

5: SOURCES OF RANNEBERGER’S REPORTS:

The Prime Minister has serious doubts about the credibility of the sources of the information Mr Michael Ranneberger cabled to Washington. From the reports, it is clear some of the ambassador’s sources were former government officers who had themselves been sacked and clearly had scores settle or were on their way out. It is instructive that some of those the ambassador quotes have since fled the country or have been unable to find any useful engagement since leaving government services.

6: YOUTH, CIRCUMCISION AND LEADERSHIP:

The PM continues to acknowledge the youth as a significant component of our society that has brought vigour and fresh views in the struggles for a better Kenya. But he rejects the notion that being young alone is a leadership quality. This is a distinction and judgment Kenyans have made before, and he trusts that they will make it again in2012. When confronted with the choice of a young, inexperienced candidate against an older, tested leader in the 2002 elections, Kenyans made resounding and categorical decision. The PM equally rejects the idea that all Kenyans need to seek circumcision and prove that they are circumcised before they can go for leadership. He also believes that when it comes to standing up against or supporting dictatorship, Kenyans know his record, compared to that of his opponents.

DENNIS ONYANGO
06.03.2011.
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