Western Kenya Leaders Vow to Back Raila in 2017 Elections

The delegates from Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga counties who met Odinga in Kakamega town Saturday dismissed calls for a Western Kenya political alliance mooted by a section of Luhya community leaders, with the aim of fielding one presidential candidate from the region.

Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who is also ODM’s deputy party leader, urged Western Kenya leaders who have presidential ambitions to shelve them and back Odinga’s bid.

On his part, ODM Bungoma branch chair Eric Wambasi accused President Kenyatta of deliberately denying Raila Odinga and Cord co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka their retirement perks, terming the move is selfish and vindictive.

“The move by President Kenyatta not to sign into law the retirement bill is not only selfish but also vindictive and laced with discrimination,” he said.

RETIREMENT PERKS

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Odinga dismissed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s reasons for declining to assent to the retirement benefits Bill that proposed perks for him and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, saying he will not quit politics for the perks.

Raila also stated that Cord is in the process of strengthening its constituent parties – ODM, Ford Kenya and Wiper – ahead of the next General Election.

Reports indicate that the two leaders have been urged to quit politics if they are to get the retirement package that ranges between Sh18 million and Sh21 million.

By Benjamin Wafula