Raila Odinga Turns Down Government Diplomatic Job Offer

HANDSHAKE: President Uhuru and Raila Odinga

Raila Odinga yesterday politely declined an offer by the Jubilee Government to work as an envoy explaining that his “plate is full.” Mr. Odinga said his focus is to strengthen the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD).

Raila Odinga later on urged those still sympathising with him for losing the presidency, to stop. Speaking in Khwisero constituency on Saturday during the burial of Mama Ellena Andayi, 93, mother to area lawmaker Benjamin Andola, Mr. Odinga said he was ready to soldier on despite losing the Presidency, adding he would re-organise his house.

“Do not tell me sorry for what happened, I do not wish to hear this. When a cooking stick breaks, do you stop preparing your meal? Certainly not! And that is why we want to state that we have enough work to do,” said Raila Odinga.

The meeting yesterday was important to show the people that there is no animosity between the Government and CORD. However, Raila Odinga is firmly in the opposition trenches ready to ensure services are delivered as promised to Kenyans.

PM's Condolence Message on Death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher

It is with great sadness that I have learnt of the death of Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of Britain.

I take this opportunity to wish well her family, the Conservative Party and the people of Britain.

Mrs Thatcher will go down in history not only as Britain's first female prime minister, but as a pioneer of many important ideas that transformed not only her country but many nations across the globe, including Kenya.

She pioneered a closer scrutiny of what the role of the state should be in the lives of citizens, a debate that rages to date, and which led to improved conditions for many people in many nations.

Many features of the modern economic governance like privatisation, deregulation, size of government, free trade, among others, owe their rise and popularity to her tenure when she tried to stem economic decline in her country.

She popularized the idea that a functioning economy is at the centre of freedom with sayings l like “there is no liberty unless there is economic liberty.”

Margaret Thatcher fired up women’s involvement in politics and public life with famous remarks like; “if you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”

She may be gone, but the ideals she bequeathed the world will inspire generations to come.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Rt. Hon. Raila A. Odinga, EGH,
PRIME MINISTER; 
Monday, April 8, 2013.

Raila Odinga Speaks On Devolution

PMPS
Nairobi, April 3, 2013

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has strongly spoken against attempts by the government to interfere with letter and spirit of devolution saying a situation is developing where some forces in government want county commissioners and other members of the provincial administration to act as legitimate authorities in the countries.

Saying the situation was inconsistent with provisions of the constitution, the PM stated that attempts to make governors either take orders from county commissioners or play subsidiary roles to what he called agents of an outdated order were unacceptable.

Addressing CORD Nairobi County Assembly members today, Mr. Odinga recalled that he had warned about this development immediately the office of the President embarked on appointing county commissioners adding the transitional clause is very clear that the provincial administration would be restructured to fit in the new constitution.

“Let us get this clear. It is the system known as the provincial administration which was to be restructured to fit in to the new constitution, not the other way round,” he said.

He emphasized that CORD as a coalition stood strongly for the full and undiluted devolution of power and resources to the counties adding Kenyans must enjoy what they voted for in the new constitution promulgated on August 27, 2010.

Saying Kenyans must not be caught in unnecessary drama and theatrics, the PM added that Kenyans must be allowed to look up to and hold responsible only people they elected in the last polls to take care of their counties.

He said, “That is why I want to call on all governors and county assembly members, regardless of party to hold their ground, stand firm and demand to be given the full space and mandate to implement the devolution agenda of their voters.”

The PM pointed out that without the full implementation of the devolution agenda, the country will return to the old centralization that is responsible for the inequities dogging the country.

Raila at the same time said he did not need to be pitied after his election loss, saying the many messages of sympathy that he was receiving were misplaced and unnecessary.

Emphasizing that he was still strong and committed to the ideals of democracy for which he will continue championing, Raila made it clear that he will continue to soldier on. “There are many ways of killing a cat,” he added.

The PM, who hosted the county assembly members to lunch at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, reminded them that they had a responsibility and duty to implement the promises CORD made during the campaigns as written in the coalition’s manifesto.
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