Raila: Nasa leaders thought I was finished after Uhuru Park

National Super Alliance leader Raila Odinga on Saturday explained why he chose to meet President Uhuru Kenyatta alone.

He accused his co-principals of abandoning him during his controversial ‘swearing in’ at Uhuru Park on January 30.

Speaking at Ralak village, in Siaya County during the burial of Laban Ohito, Mr Odinga said some of the leaders developed cold feet after they saw a multitude at the historic grounds and feared they would be arrested.

The former prime minister said other leaders in the coalition thought that he was done and dusted.

CONFUSION

“They thought I had been swallowed by crocodiles in the river yet I survived,” he said.

Mr Odinga told his supporters that the decision he took was the best way to heal the country after a divisive election.

“We are constructing a bridge to go to the other side until we reach Canaan,” he added.

Siaya Senator James Orengo said the talks between Mr Kenyatta and Mr Odinga should go on to avoid confusion and conflict.

“Those who were not ‘sworn in’ should go to Uhuru Park before coming to demand to be included in the dialogue,” he said.

OFFICE

He added that the Uhuru-Odinga dialogue would end tribalism and boost economic growth.

At another burial ceremony early in the day, Elgeyo-Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen called for the establishment of Mr Odinga’s office to enable him deliver his objectives and continue serving Kenyans.

FUNERAL

During the burial of Willy Kaino Kilimo, the father of Orange Democratic Movement deputy treasurer Ogla Chepkemboi Karani, at Chebai village, Mr Murkomen described Mr Odinga, who was among the mourners, as a selfless leader who had put the interests of Kenyans before his own.

The burial was also attended by Mr Orengo, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, former Inspector-General of Police David Kimaiyo, among others.

CHALLENGES

“I have been on record telling people that Raila Odinga is a respected leader who has seen ahead, even beyond 2022. This is why we want him to be given an official office and good pay so that he can serve Kenyans,” Mr Murkomen said.

Mr Odinga said he had decided to engage the President to address challenges facing Kenya.

“This country is facing many challenges and that is why we found it necessary to meet, sit down and see where we have come from, see how we had found ourselves here and where we are headed. We had to swallow our pride and meet for the sake of this country,” Mr Odinga said.

MY DAUGHTER

He added that he was ready and willing to complete stalled projects he initiated during the Grand Coalition Government.

“I initiated the construction of the Iten- Kapsowar road. I am going to ensure these projects are completed, now that I have pledged to work with the government,” he said.

Mr Odinga told the mourners that he was the one who advised Mr Murkomen to contest the Elgeyo-Marakwet Senate seat on a United Republican Party and not ODM.

He said Ms Karani was his daughter, describing her as a hard working and transparent woman.

“I am here today to mourn with Olga because she is like my daughter,” he said.