President Kenyatta launches scathing attack on Odinga over graft claims

Jubilee Party’s National Governing Council on Friday held their maiden gathering at the Bomas of Kenya with President Uhuru Kenyatta urging Kenyans to unite ahead of next year’s polls.

During the meeting, President Kenyatta lashed at opposition leader Raila Odinga for what he termed as smear campaigns against the government, noting that the government is committed to serving all Kenyans equally.

While terming his allegations as petty and backward, President Kenyatta said the move by the opposition was aimed at diverting attention from Jubilee projects with his constant graft accusations.

President Kenyatta criticized CORD leader Raila Odinga for accusing the Jubilee Government of grand corruption and urged Kenyans to ignore the allegations dismissing them as false.

On his part, Deputy President William Ruto dismissed claims of the alleged loss of Ksh5 billion at Afya House as propaganda, saying that monies spent at the Ministry of Health have been accounted for.

Ruto insisted that the money was used appropriately, further rubbishing claims that it has been misused.

“We must not be dragged into a narrative weaved by others so that we are distracted from what we are doing,” said Ruto.

Addressing the controversial Northern Water Collector Tunnel Project in Murang’a, Kenyatta indicated that Odinga’s claims were ill intended, adding that he was well versed with the project, as he was Prime Minister when it was initiated.

In a press briefing on Monday, October 10, Odinga said the Northern Water Collector Tunnel Project would lead to the desertification of Murang’a, Tana River, Garissa and Ukambani regions and make Nairobi flood-prone due to the increased flow of water into the capital.

“The environmental impact report recognises the danger of the project and states that it may alter the underground system,” said Odinga.

“It will also lead to severe loss of water in Tana River and dry up streams in Garissa, Ukambani and Tana River delta. Muranga, Garissa and Tana River will be deserts within five years of the project being launched,” he said.

Kenyatta, however, moved to assure Kenyans that the project would not be harmful to the residents of Murang’a, adding that the water that will be used is the excess water.

While defending his administration, Kenyatta insisted that his commitment to uniting Kenyans was key to the development of this country.