Raila faults opposers of new law

By PETER OPIYO and ALLAN KISIAPrime Minister Raila Odinga has blamed anti-reform forces for trying to remove Budalang'i MP Ababu Namwamba from the critical committee on Justice and Legal Affairs.
The PM claimed forces that opposed passing of the new Constitution in last year’s referendum, and those who had wavering support for the new law, have teamed up to ensure the law is not implemented.

ODM candidate for Kamukunji by-election Ahmed Ibrahim (second right) together with Prime Minister Raila Odinga and other party leaders address a rally in Eastleigh, Sunday. [PHOTO: COLLINS KWEYU/STANDARD]

While drumming support for Kamukunji ODM candidate Ibrahim Ahmed, Sunday, Raila accused some Government officials for increasing fuel prices without consultations.
"I said in Parliament that measures should be taken to make life bearable, but those who are responsible have done nothing. This is not in order," said the PM.
"The bureaucrats are making decisions that harm the common man without consulting," he said.
Polls nearing The PM also praised the interview process that led to the nominations of Willy Mutunga and Nancy Baraza as Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice.
Raila made a whirlwind tour of the constituency before addressing a rally at the Kamukunji Grounds.
He was accompanied by assistant ministers Margaret Wanjiru, Mahmud Mohammed, Elizabeth Ongoro and MPs David Were, John Mbadi and Racheal Shebesh.
Meanwhile, in Ikolomani, ODM and New Ford Kenya leaders intensified their campaigns as the May 23 by-elections drew closer.
ODM team, led by Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, addressed a series of rallies across the constituency, including the backyard of New Ford Kenya’s Bonny Khalwale.
They addressed rallies in Isulu, Musoli, Imbale, Mumbetso, Shisembe, Ibwali and Shichinji.
Khalwale also criss-crossed the constituency accompanied by Cabinet Minister Soita Shitanda, Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and former assistant minister Raphael Wanjala. They went to Shirumba, Shihunila, Imulembu, Shiveye, Bushiangala and Iguhu.
Cabinet Ministers James Orengo and MPs Ababu Namwamba, Justus Kizito and Yusuf Chanzu accompanied Mudavadi.
While addressing a rally in Shirumba, Shitanda said ODM leaders should not commission Government projects while campaigning.
‘It’s our turn’
"The Sigalagala-Butere-Sidindi road should not be used as a campaign weapon. It is the right of the people of Ikolomani to have the road tarmacked," he added.
Shitanda said Khalwale has been fighting for the road to be tarmacked for more than eight years.
Wamalwa, who recently announced that he will vie for the presidency on a New Ford Kenya ticket, said next week’s by-elections will be historical.
"The by-elections will change the shape of Western politics," he added.
The Saboti MP reiterated that Western region will have a presidential candidate in 2012. "This time, we must have a presidential candidate. We will not be running mates all the time."