I’m not Duale’s age-mate, CORD leader Raila Odinga

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) leader, Raila Odinga, has lashed out at National Assembly Majority Leader, Aden Duale, over claims that he receives monthly pay from CORD counties.

Speaking at his Capitol Hill office in Nairobi on Thursday, November 24, Odinga said that Duale was engaging in petty politics and he could not engage him since they are not at the same level.

Odinga termed Duale’s remarks as reckless.

“Mimi sio rika ya Duale. Siwezi kujibu hayo maneno yake ya upuzi na ujinga mtupu (I am not Duale’s age-mate. I cannot respond to his remarks since they are nonsensical and stupid),” said Odinga.

On Wednesday, November 23, Duale claimed that Odinga, receives monthly stipends from governors and that they (governors) also foot his bills during trips to their respective counties.

“I can confirm that during Raila’s recent visit to Wajir and Garissa counties, the choppers were paid for by the governors, and I have evidence to prove it,” said Duale.

Duale called on Odinga to refund “the millions he has received as allowances, stipends, pocket money and hotel fees.”

He questioned Raila’s move to defend Kilifi Governor, Amason Jeffa Kingi, over the loss of Ksh 51 million at his county, saying as the party leader, he should take responsibility over the scandal.

CORD Members of Parliament who had accompanied Odinga said that Duale was engaging in cheap politics and should produce evidence to show that the CORD leader has benefited from the county funds.

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, said that Duale was speaking on behalf of his masters at State House.

“Whenever Raila raises serious corruption issues, State House hatchet men and women led by Duale are sent to divert attention,” said Wandayi.

He said that the buck to fight graft in the country stops with President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto.”

“We want to tell Duale that Raila doesn’t play in his league. Raila doesn’t even play in the league of Ruto. Only Uhuru can respond to him.”

He added: “No amount of sideshows or scapegoating will take away the serious corruption issues raised by Raila and CORD.”

Kajiado Central MP, Kanchori Memusi, said that issues of corruption have been trivialized by the Jubilee administration saying that President Kenyatta and his deputy are not willing to fight graft.

“Whenever we point out to a thief, we are told you too are thieves to make it a blame game. They are trying to throw stones back at Raila,” said Memusi.

“We are not defending any corruption. If any of our governors is found culpable of mismanaging resources, we will be the first to say prosecute them.”

The claims by Duale have opened a new frontier for confrontation between the ruling Jubilee and the opposition CORD.