Raila challenges G7 to field candidate

Written By:PMPS,    Posted: Sat, Aug 27, 2011

The PM dismissed the alliances claiming it was doomed to fail Prime Minister Raila Odinga has challenged the G7 political grouping to make good their earlier declaration to field a single presidential candidate during the 2012 general polls. He asked the proponent of the alliance to present the candidate they had settled on to face off with the premier at the ballots instead of issuing empty threats at public rallies about their intentions. The PM dismissed the alliances claiming it was doomed to fail because it was mooted out of ethnic considerations rather than the ideals and policy the party stood for. He cautioned Kenyans to be wary of such parties arguing that the unity of Kenyans was paramount. The Premier posed the challenge in Busia County he joined hundreds of mourners during the burial of Mama  Martina Tanga the mother to  Regional Development Minister  Fred Gumo  in Amalo  village on Friday. He expressed optimism that the country would improve economically when the devolution component of the new constitution takes full effect. Odinga announced that the government had rescinded a decision to allocate large tract of land to the Mumias Sugar Company after an investor expressed interest to put up a plant in the area. Attempts Deputy Premier Musalia Mudavadi during his speech told off opponent of the ODM party that their attempts to antagonize their mutual relation with Odinga were futile. "There is very strong effort and determination by our rivals to separate me from Raila" Mudavadi said. High Profiled personalities at the funeral included Cabinet  minister Otieno Kajwang, Dalmas Otieno, Alfred Khangati COTU secretary General Francis  Atwoli and several permanent Secretaries. Elsewhere, Prime Minister Raila Saturday led over 20 members of parliament including 10 cabinet ministers to honour and remember veteran politician and freedom fighter Masinde Muliro at his Sibanga village home in Cherangany constituency. He said the government had decided to dedicate celebrations of the first anniversary of the new constitution in honour  of the hero who made his last bow nineteen years ago. 'Spirit of Masinde Muliro' "We decided that as we celebrate the first anniversary of the new constitution, we dedicate this day to the to the spirit of Masinde Muliro'',he said. The Prime minister announced that a memorial library and monument will be constructed in Kitale town in Muliro's honour. Mr. Odinga described the late Muliro as a fearless freedom fighter,a guiding figure for multi-party democracy,and relentless advocate for truly devolved government. "Today, we have come to honour him,to tell his family and the people of Kenya,that yes,hon Muliro was right'',the PM  said,referring to Muliro's foresight in a parliamentary debate in 1964 on the constitution. He said that the late Muliro gave his youth and old age to building the foundation for the freedoms that the country enjoys today. He also declared that the government will provide a monthly stipend to Muliro's widow -Mrs. Marcia Muliro. Addressing the wananchi, the PM Pronounced that the veteran's house on his Sibanga farm shall be refurbished by government and dedicated as ‘'Muliro house''. The PM was categorical that a nation that fails to recognize her heroes risks losing its history. "The country that forgets its history is a country that risks being forgotten'', he said. Country's heroes Mr. Odinga told the meeting that the new laws will make it possible for honouring of the country's heroes as a way  remembering  their selflessness, dedication and sacrifice towards the development of the country. At the same time, the Prime Minister announced that the government will honour another first liberation hero,the late Ronald Ngala by constructing his monument on Kilindini road in Mombasa town. Minister William ole Ntimama asked Kenyans to reject self seeking leaders who have no agenda to move the country forward. He said "some people are busy criss-crossing the country seeking to be elected presidents so that they can protect their ill gotten wealth''. Others who addressed were ministers James Orengo , Noah Wekesa and Assistant Ministers bishop Margaret Wanjiru , Wakoli Bifwoli and Cherangani MP Joshua Kuttuny.