Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Raila to ODM: We have failed Kenyans by trying to 'look good' in the eyes of Jubilee

Cord leader Raila Odinga in a strategic retreat in Maanzoni, Machakos County on Monday. Photo/COURTESY

Cord leader Raila Odinga in a strategic retreat in Maanzoni, Machakos County on Monday. Photo/COURTESY
August 17, 2015
BY NANCY AGUTU
     
ODM leader Raila Odinga has criticised members for failing to keep a consistent check on the government by "trying to look good in the eyes of Jubilee".
Raila said the members have not convinced the public that they form an alternative government and have left them on their own.
"We seem shy and apologetic in our criticism of the government. Too often, we talk at cross-purposes. The firepower and the will to fight Jubilee is clearly missing," he said.
"Party supporters, watching from outside, are getting demoralised with this performance; the lack of focus and the absence of commitment."
The trend cannot continue as 'stakes are so high" and there are "conclusions that our members have been compromised by Jubilee", he further said.
He spoke during a retreat of the ODM National Executive Council, governors, deputy governors, senators and MPs, ahead of the 2017 general election, in Maanzoni, Machakos county on Monday.
The opposition leader said in the final months of the year, the team has to draw the line between Jubilee and ODM, adding that members must not be swayed.
"If we are to win in 2017, and we must, then by the first quarter of 2016, we must make it clear in the minds of Kenyans that the gap between Jubilee and us is like day and darkness, that there is no contest in 2017. Time is not on our side," he said.
"Failure is not an option in this exercise. Violence must not rear its head in this election. Bribery of election and party officials must be out of question."
Raila asked the leaders to admit that their party has an image problem when it comes to polls "much as we are the only party that holds elections".
"We have party elections coming up shortly. This too is a do or die. We must distinguish ourselves as the party that thinks for the nation and has the ideological and philosophical rationale for the things we do," he said.
Raila told the team that keeping the government in check is not just about ODM, but the country and the young leaders they are, who are pursuing political careers.
"The agenda is much wider. The truth is that this country is suffering. From insecurity to the high cost of living to corruption, tribalism and marginalization; Kenyans are suffering," he said.
The opposition leader said the public is looking up to ODM as a guarantor of the constitution and its liberties, that must "speak boldly and candidly about the cost of goods, electricity, paraffin and fuel".
- See more at: http://www.the-star.co.ke/news/raila-odm-we-have-failed-kenyans-trying-look-good-eyes-jubilee#sthash.pYIFeBek.dpuf

No comments:

Post a Comment