Monday, April 9, 2012

I do not fear death, says Raila


By NICHOLAS ANYUOR
Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Sunday moved to dispel fears over threat to his life, urging politicians to be cautious in their utterances.
He said Kenya needed faith, dedication and commitment to put hope over despair and justice over injustices and not utterances that could bring fear to the people.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga is received by Maseno South Diocese Bishop Mwai Abiero during Easter Sunday Service St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu. [PHOTO: JAMES KEYI /STANDARD]
"Don’t come up with stories that will bring fear and despondency amongst Kenyans. Cowards die many times before their death and the brave die once. I will die when my time comes," he said.
The Prime Minister said he was ready to bite the bullet and threats would never scare him in his quest for good governance.
"Instead of concentrating on such threats, we should care for the weak and the hungry in the society. We must not be scared. I don’t fear death because it is something that will one day come," he said.
He asked Kenyans to ensure there was proper leadership that would steer our country to the league of rich nations.
"We should be in the same league with countries like Korea, Malaysia, China and even the UK. We can only achieve this with good leadership in place," he said.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Kisumu, where he attended the Sunday service. He was accompanied by Energy Assistant Minister Magerer Langat, who appealed to politicians to practise fair competition and asked the church to pray for all Kenyans and political leaders.
Fair competition
"Pray for the safety of the Prime Minister and all Kenyans. Pray for the politicians to practise fair political competition," he said.
Anglican Bishop of Maseno South Diocese Mwai Abiero urged leaders to stop forming ethnic alliances, adding that days of political assassinations and poor leadership were gone.
"We are praying for Kenyans. We want something good for the country," he said. Raila reiterated that tribal alliances should never exist and urged politicians to disagree on ideologies, but not on tribal lines.

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