Raila urges leaders to end divisive politics

By Allan Kisia and Roselyne Obala Prime Minister Raila Odinga has cautioned leaders against engaging in tribal politics.
Raila warned that such politics could divide the country along ethnic lines.
"Every tribe might end up saying that it must field its presidential candidate in 2012," added the PM.
He said political leaders should urge the public to scrutinise manifestos of various parties before deciding on how to vote.
"Kenyans should not look at tribes of presidential candidates. They should look at the party manifesto and the candidate’s record," he added. His sentiments come a day after a section of MPs from Western Province vowed the region would field a presidential candidate in next year’s polls.
Speaking at a New Ford Kenya rally in Kakamega North District, Housing Minister Soita Shitanda and MPs Eugene Wamalwa and Musikari Kombo and former legislator Raphael Wanjala said the region would front one of its own.
But on Saturday, Raila said he also has roots in Mumias District in Western Province.
"If you name possible presidential candidates from Western and leave me out, what does it mean? My great grandparents come from the Wanga community in Mumias," he added.
He continued: "My blood was in the region long before some communities like the Tirikis."
Raila spoke in Kongoni, Lugari District, during the burial of Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi’s father-in-law Alphonse Mulama.
Cabinet ministers Noah Wekesa and James Orengo and Assistant ministers Manyala Keya and Sospeter Ojaamong, ODM Chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo, MPs Yusuf Chanzu and Justus Kizito and area legislator Cyrus Jirongo attended.
Raila’s wife, Ida, also attended the ceremony. Jirongo said the region would have a presidential candidate in 2012.
"We cannot be running mates forever. We must front a person from this region," he added.
Jirongo further asked Raila to back Mudavadi for the presidency in 2012.
"Let us do it the South African way. Nelson Mandela was in office for only one term. He then handed it over to Thabo Mbeki," he added.
Raila responded by telling Jirongo not to interfere with ODM affairs.
"How can someone from another party tell us what to do," he posed.
Mudavadi said ODM should be strengthened to avert wrangles in House committees.
Orengo said Kenyans should beware of leaders with peculiar intensions.