Raila pleads with teachers over strike

By Francis Ngige

KENYA: The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leaders have asked teachers to drop their planned strike.

CORD presidential candidate Raila Odinga and running mate Kalonzo Musyoka told teachers to reconsider their plan to strike next week.

While on a campaign tour of Embu, Raila and Kalonzo pleaded with them to wait until after the elections when their issues would be addressed.

“Teachers should know what we have in place is just a caretaker government that will take us through the election period. There is no Parliament to transact any business,” said Raila.

The rally at Moi Stadium in Embu Town was temporarily disrupted by rowdy youth protesting what they termed attacks on Jubilee Alliance leaders. 

There was a stampede as a group of youth started throwing stones at the main dais after some leaders criticised Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and his running mate William Ruto.   Remarks by Mr Kalembe Ndile and Mr Johnstone Muthama are said to have infuriated them.  At the same time, Raila promised to follow up on the Mau Mau compensation issue with the United Kingdom after the elections.

“I know most of the freedom fighters are from this region and I want to assure them CORD government would follow up their issue of compensation to its logical conclusion,” said the PM.  Raila and Kalonzo also called for political tolerance during this electioneering period.    “We need to give everyone a chance to sell their policy and make your judgement based on issues,” Raila said.  Kalonzo said it was important for politicians to preach tolerance.     

Raila takes his campaigns to the Rift Valley this weekend for a series of rallies in Kericho, Nandi and Bomet counties.   The PM will today address two rallies in Fort Ternan, Kipkelion and Nandi Hills.