I did not say I would vie for presidency in 2017, says Raila

Written by Frankline Bwire fbwire@westfm.co.ke 2013-08-18 02:40:00 Read 371 Times

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga joins dancers during the event at Butula.[PHOTOS|Frankline Bwire|West Fm]

Butula, Busia County: Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed claims that he declared he would run for the top seat in 2017.

Odinga said the allegations were being propagated by his opponents who have remained scared of his participation in the election.

Speaking at ST. Catherine Special School in Butula constituency during a homecoming ceremony for Busia County Women representative Florence Mwikali Mutua, Odinga said he was keen on ensuring that the constitution is amended and not the elections ahead.

“Mimi sijazungumza kuhusu mambo ya 2017! Wao ndio wanasema kuwa Raila atawania kiti cha urais (I have not spoken anything about 2017. They are the ones saying that Raila will contest for presidency),” said the former PM.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga while addressing residents at Butula 

Odinga who was accompanied by Siaya senator James Orengo, Amos Wako (Busia), Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, Andrew Toboso (Butere), Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong and his wife Ida Odinga among others, said the CORD team targets to ensure problems affecting Kenyans among them diseases, illiteracy, poverty and bad leadership are addressed through devolution.

Referendum issue

He said in the governor’s referendum, the amendment to the constitution will seek to give the senate more powers to legislate for the Counties. 

Odinga added that: “The changes will also ensure the revenue allocation to county governments is increased to 45 per cent from the current 15 per cent. This will make it possible for the governors to deliver services effectively to the locals in line with their expectations.”

He stressed that the CORD team will support the governors in their bid to have the changes, a move he urged Kenyans to join hands.

The remarks were also echoed by Orengo and his Busia Counterpart Amos Wako who said the amendment of the constitution will guarantee them more strength to fight for the County governments.

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