Raila Odinga faults Uhuru for burning ivory, rhino horns

CORD leader Raila Odinga has hit out at President Uhuru Kenyatta over Saturdays’ burning of ivory and rhino horns at the Nairobi National Park.

Speaking during his visit of Meru, Raila said that the exercise of torching ivory was an exercise in futility urging the government to go after the cartels running the ivory business.

“There is no need to burn ivory since elephants have already been killed by poachers. The only solution to poaching is to go after the poachers and those behind the ivory trade,” stated Raila.

The exercise, which saw 105 tonnes of elephant tusks and 1.35 tonnes of Rhino horns worth close to Ksh 15 billion set ablaze, has been considered historic since it is the biggest haul ever torched in the world.

In his address at the event, attended by Gabon President Ali Bongo, President Kenyatta told off his critics saying despite being poor, Kenya has a rich heritage that should be preserved.

The President also announced that the gates of the Nairobi National Park will be opened for youth aged 17 years and below for free and be able to witness the historical event.

“For us ivory is worthless unless it is on an elephant. I will rather wait for the judgment of the future generations who I am sure will appreciate the action we have taken,” said the President.

Deputy President William Ruto, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Environment Cabinet Secretary Judy Wakhungu and Chairman of the Kenya Wildlife Service Dr. Richard Leakey were also present.

Despite Uhuru’s insistence that burning the ivory and rhino horns was the best decision, critics claim that the government should have sold off the ivory and channel the money to the economy or station the stack in national museums.

Meanwhile, Raila has reiterated his previous stand to boycott the 2017 elections if IEBC is still in office, as currently constituted.

Raila claimed that Kenyans have no faith in the Isaack Hassan-led commission saying CORD would keep on with their push for its disbandment.

@benjaminwafula