Barack Obama’s ‘hypocrisy’ remark sets off political storm

Opposition leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Moses Wetang’ula speak to journalists on their memorandum to President Obama at Capitol Hill offices, Nairobi. [Photo/ Jonah Onyango/Standard]

US President Barack Obama's remarks that suggested some Kenyan Opposition figures are steeped in hypocrisy have sparked fresh rivalry between the ruling Jubilee alliance and CORD.

President Obama made the remarks during a session with civil society representatives at Kenyatta University on Sunday afternoon after an earlier meeting with CORD leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetang'ula and Narc-Kenya's Martha Karua.

Obama recalled the brief meeting with the Opposition leaders after his riveting speech at Kasarani Stadium, saying he told them, "You have a legally elected government and we are going to work with that government, but we're also always going to be listening to all elements of Kenyan society."

But it is his subsequent statement that seemed to rebuke the doublespeak by at least one of the leaders present at the talks that has touched off the political storm.

The Opposition leaders denied ever being criticised, with Jubilee supporters suggesting the statement had exposed their hypocrisy.

"It was funny, though... one of the Opposition leaders - I won't mention who -was saying, you know, we really need you to press the Kenyan government on some issues.  And I said to him, I remember when you were in government you kept on saying, why are you trying to interfere with Kenya's business? You should mind your own business," President Obama said, drawing laughter from his audience.

He continued: "So everybody wants the United States to be very involved when they're not in power.  And when they're in power, they want the United States to mind their own business. I think the way that we are going to operate is just to continue to be honest and to promote the kinds of policies and interests that we believe in."

And Monday, as Raila, Kalonzo, Wetang'ula and Karua convened a press conference to give details of their discussions with President Obama, journalists pinned them down on the controversial remarks by the US leader.

But Kalonzo, who was the first to respond to the issue, said: "We need to look at the bigger picture on who he was referring to. His comments were with a light touch; he was not tongue-lashing."

And Karua also weighed in: "The meeting should not be reduced to a sentence or a comment from the president."

Raila never spoke about the specific statement, only reiterating their talks focused on governance concerns including the need to step up the war against graft. Wetang'ula did not speak and Kalonzo said he was unwell.

However, Jubilee MPs claimed people were finally seeing through the Opposition hypocrisy.

Leader of Majority Aden Duale said: "It is good that the Opposition was told off over their constant complaints since we have been advising them not to talk ill about their country. What they didn't know is that Obama has Kenyan blood in him and he won't tolerate badmouthing the country."

Duale said by reminding the Opposition that there was a legitimate Government in office, Obama had vindicated Jubilee's position that the 2013 elections were free and fair.

Baringo North MP William Cheptumo (URP) claimed President Obama might have read mischief in the Opposition's grievances.

"The Opposition has been dishonest and lacks consistency in their criticism. Give credit where it is due. We know there have been challenges as well as progress," said Mr Cheptumo.

Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau (TNA) said Obama's swipe at the Opposition should be an eye-opener not only to them, but also the ruling coalition MPs.

"President Obama's rebuke should be a lesson that we should put nationalism before personal interests," said Kamau. Chuka Igambang'ombe MP Muthomi Njuki (APK) said the Opposition just wanted the Government to fail.

Anti-graft war

Monday, the Opposition leaders said President Obama's speech dovetailed with the various concerns they have been raising.

The CORD leaders explained they were glad their meeting with the US leader took place after his address because they would have been accused of influencing his speech had they met beforehand.

Raila said the issues Obama raised were the same ones they have been championing.

"Obama said corruption is tolerated because how things have always been done. We have warned about this before and will always say that there is a high priest of corruption in this country who is roaming scot-free," said Raila.

He said the meeting revolved around governance issues and concerns about the absence of a well-structured and comprehensive strategy to fight corruption.

"We want peace and development. We don't just oppose for the sake it, but oppose when there is bad governance and corruption," said Raila.

If the Jubilee administration is to end corruption, it must do some lifestyle audit of some of its top leaders, he added."Every week a person donates millions in 'harambees' yet we know how much the person earns. Then he says it is kindness. This is public money," said Odinga.

Kalonzo maintained their meeting with the US President was fruitful since all the issues in their memorandum were addressed in President Obama's speech.

The Opposition wants the US to assist Kenya reform and strengthen the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, among other things.

Kalonzo accused some Jubilee leaders of trying to use Obama's remarks to divert public attention from selective prosecution of high-ranking State officials implicated in graft. "I heard in some reports that President Uhuru said Kenya is a hotbed of a vibrant culture and beauty but we want to tell him that Kenya is a hotbed of vibrant corruption," said Kalonzo.

Karua said their meeting with the US leader also touched on trade and marketing Kenyan products in the US, adding that this is meant to benefit the whole country.

"President Obama spoke to us as a nation and not just as Opposition," she said.